b'FARMERS UNITE: MAKING THE CASE FOR CERTIFIED SEED Why should growers invest in new genetics? A panel discussion at the CrossRoads Crop Conference offered some good reasons.Marc ZienkiewiczAGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD Canada (AAFC) currently stands as the biggest variety development program in Canada when it comes to cereals and pulses, but the common belief that growers fund it solely through levy dollars or royalties is far from accurate. While these contribu-tions play a role, things like checkoff dollars fall short of adequately support-ing the program.This reality underscores the urgent need for collective ownership and responsibility within the ag industry. Its not solely the burden of seed growers, distribution companies, or developers; it requires the commitment of all stake-holders, including farmers.That was the message delivered by JeffThe panel held at the CrossRoads Crop Conference in Calgary was moderated by Seed World Jackson at Januarys CrossRoads CropCanada senior editor Marc Zienkiewicz (left) and featured Seed Check President Morgan Webb, Conference in Calgary, Alta., as part of aStamp Seeds Seed Sales Manager Greg Stamp, True Seeds owner Chelsea Tomlinson, Sheris Ag panel sponsored by our sister publicationConsulting owner Sheri Strydhorst, and SeedNet General Manager Jeff Jackson.the Alberta Seed Guide on how the seed value chain contributes to the sustain- We tend to reward and support ouras registration and regional variety trials, ability of farming operations. Jacksonequipment suppliers with our purchasesis facing significant jeopardy. The public was on the panel representing SeedNet,if we appreciate their products and whatbreeding and testing system is strained an Alberta-based seed company of whichthey offer. We incentivize our chemicaldue to uncertainties in funding, she told he serves as general manager. suppliers when we buy their products forthe crowd.We need to transition away fromcrop spraying. However, when it comesStamp, who sits on the board of heavy reliance on government fund- to plant breeding, I dont think wevethe Alberta Pulse Growers, said while ing and take ownership of this crucialalways provided the same level of sup- checkoff dollars to contribute to variety aspect of agriculture. By doing so, we canport, said Tomlinson, who sits on thedevelopment, much of this funding isnt ensure stability and continuity regard- board of the Alberta Seed Growers. directly allocated to competitive breed-less of shifts in political landscapes orMother Nature constantly presents using programs that result in new varieties government priorities, he told the crowdwith new challenges like wheat midge,hitting the market. Instead, it often sup-of around 500 people. drought, pests, and resistant weeds, andports essential behind-the-scenes work, Joining him on the panel wereplant breeders consistently come up withsuch as addressing complex issues like Albertas Sheri Strydhorst (owner, Sherissolutions. Yet, much of the ag industryroot rot.Ag Consulting), Greg Stamp (seedoften overlooks the importance of theirThe checkoff system allows for input sales manager, Stamp Seeds), Chelseacontributions, she noted. from a board of directors to prioritize Tomlinson (owner, True Seeds) andThink about clubroot-resistantresearch initiatives, aiming to enhance Morgan Webb (president, Seed Check).canola; it appeared just when we neededthe industrys overall efficiency and The discussion, moderated by Seed Worldit most, saving many of us in northernbenefit farmers and checkoff payers. Canada senior editor Marc Zienkiewicz,Alberta from significant losses. Are weAdditionally, the link between certi-emphasized the importance of invest- doing enough to incentivize and supportfied seed sales and funding for breeders ing in new genetics in order to ensureplant breeders? underscores the importance of robust a steady stream of new seed varieties toStrydhorst said shes worried that thesales in sustaining the system, he said.ensure growers success. ability to conduct essential trials, suchHowever, discrepancies in purchasing 24 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADAMARCH 2024'