b'SEEDS OF UNCERTAINTY: WE NEED TO PREPARE FOR WHATS COMINGIn a world experiencing ever-increasing unrest, the North American seed industry faces a pressing question: how should it prepare for the growing global instability that seems to be on the horizon?THE WORLD IS an unstable place. Always has been,not have 9 billion mouths to feed in 2050; in real-always will be. But history shows us that it goes inity, were set to have far fewer people on the planet in cycles, and some time periods result in more substan- the coming decades. This has a direct impact on the tial change than others. So how do we prepare for thenumber of customers the seed industry serves and coming shift that seems to be on the horizon? could present an existential threat to our sector.Its a topic that resonates far beyond the confinesSo, what steps should the North American seed of just seed production, with implications for foodindustry take to prepare?security, economic stability, and global cooperation. ItsInvest in Research and Innovation: Continued Marc Zienkiewicz clear that the North American seed industry has a vitalresearch and development are essential to breed crops Senior Editor,role to play in safeguarding not only its interests butthat can thrive in changing environmental conditions. Seed Worldalso the well-being of the nation and the world at large. Investments in innovative breeding techniques, such Canada From global conflicts like the violence happeningas gene editing, can help create crops that are more in the Middle East that could have ripple effects forresilient and productive.oil prices and more, to trade tensions like the recentDiversify Markets: We should actively explore Canadian canola ban that China had in place for threeand cultivate new markets. Reducing dependence on years, to the gathering political storm were all watchinga few key trading partners can buffer the impact of build in the United States, to the profound conse- political and trade disruptions.quences of climate change, Canada is experiencing aCollaboration and Cooperation: Collaboration tumultuous period, and this turmoil is increasinglywith international partners can help navigate geopo-going to affect us. litical tensions. Engaging in cooperative projects can Here are a few key factors to consider: ensure a steady flow of genetic materials for breeding Climate Change: This poses an existential threatand facilitate knowledge exchange.to agriculture, impacting crop yields, changing pestClimate Adaptation: Focus on breeding for and disease patterns, and making traditional growingclimate adaptation is paramount. Developing crop practices less reliable. As the world warms, the Northvarieties that can withstand droughts, floods, and American agricultural landscape will face new chal- extreme temperatures is essential to secure the future lenges, making it imperative for the seed industry toof agriculture.continue to invest in the development of resilient andSustainable Practices: Reducing carbon emis-adaptable crop varieties. sions, conserving soil health, and protecting biodiver-Global Trade: Trade tensions and disruptionssity are integral parts of the industrys role in global have already affected the North American seed indus- stability. Also, consider how your business will thrive try, with international markets becoming increasinglywith fewer customers and not more.unpredictable. A diversified approach to export mar- The writing is on the wall: we must be prepared kets and a focus on strengthening domestic produc- for change. The challenges of climate change, trade tion can mitigate these risks. tensions, and geopolitical uncertainty require proac-Geopolitical Uncertainty: This can have far- tive measures. By investing in innovation, diversifying reaching impacts, potentially disrupting supply chains,markets, and embracing a cooperative spirit, we can creating barriers to trade, and affecting our industrysplay a crucial role in ensuring food security, promot-access to crucial resources. Companies should exploreing global stability, and safeguarding the future of ways to minimize their exposure to geopolitical risks. agriculture in North America and around the world.A Declining World Population: Contrary toThe path forward is undoubtedly challenging, but popular belief, the world population is experienc- it is also filled with opportunities for those who are ing a crash that is only going to get more significant.willing to adapt and lead the way. Theres a very solid argument to be made that we will 14GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2024'