b'ULTIMATELY, TO RETAIN GOOD STAFF WHO ARE CONSTANTLY IN DEMAND ELSEWHERE, YOU HAVE TO OFFER THEM A PATH FORWARD. WE SAID, NOW IS THE TIME TO PASS THE TORCH. THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS ARE READY, SO LETS NOT DELAY.During your tenure CSGA began working more closely withtimeline looks like, we have to ensure that members the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) than it ever had.remain engaged and committed to a shared vision for What role did that play? sector change. In the event of a No vote, it will become If CSTA hadnt embraced the Seed Synergy concept, thingspainfully evident what the costs of an opportunity missed would have been very different. Again, a series of strongare as the government forges ahead with seed regula-and dedicated presidents during the formative stages oftory modernization, with or without the benefit of a the Seed Synergy project laid the foundation with theirnational seed organization and a strong seed sector voice. CSGA counterparts, starting with Scott Horner (who sub- Independent small and medium-sized seed businesses sequently joined CSGAs board), then Brent Derkatch andstand to reap the greatest benefits from the Seeds Canada Dan Wright. project if it is successful and the greatest opportunity The turning point, however, came when Jonathan andcosts if it is not, and thats what I consider CSGA mem-[CSTA president at the time] Todd Hyra agreed on thebers to beseed businesses. blueprint for the first truly integrated annual meeting of our associations in Whistler, B.C., in 2019. Its success wasIs it key to have that business mindset to be successful in the proof that at one level at least, amalgamation was a viableseed sector of the future?concept that could add value for all. At a higher level,Seed regulation is important, but it should not be the Dave Carey, who was CSTA executive director at the time,driver for a seed grower/business organizations exist-deserves much of the credit for pulling us together. Heence. Where is the discussion about the market and the was a great partner to work with and a difference-maker.business environment? And whether, and in what form, For a moment, after his departure in 2019, I thought weintervention is required? What will fail if regulation is no might be in trouble, but then along came Tyler McCann,longer there or takes a back seat to other priorities? My who brought new energy, focus and skills and in thehope for the seed sector is that Seeds Canadas formation end, was instrumental in finding the common ground wecoincides with the beginning of that discussion among needed to reach a ratification agreement. all concerned, under the same roof. That is the direction The central importance of the CSTA-CSGA relation- of the culture change I have observed in CSGA members ship notwithstanding, the other partners contributionand staff over the last 20 years, but it did not happen fast was a critical success factor. The quiet but competent Royenough and was constrained by CSGAs focus on seed Van Wyk, his board, and his team at CSI; the intellectualcertification and limited interest and ability to provide property expertise and passion that Lorne Hadley andother services. Turning the NSO concept into a reality the CPTA board leadership brought to the discussion; thethat makes everyones life better is going to be challeng-unique insights that Krista Erickson and CSAAC broughting, but it will also be exciting and motivating. We have to every key decision; and the important contributionsextremely competent and highly professional staff who and support that came from CropLife Canada throughoutalready work closely together. There will almost certainly the process, beginning with Stephen Yarrow and continu- be new additions over time. CSGA leaders like Caroline ing with Pierre Petelle, Ian Affleck, and David Hansen. Lafontaine and Doug Miller will have the opportunity to bring their considerable vision and expertise to a much That brings us to where we are today. When this interviewlarger playing field for the benefit of all, as will other comes out in print, voting will be over, but as we talk, we dontCSGA staff and their counterparts in the partner organiza-know if CSGA members will vote to amalgamate. What do youtions. see the future holding? With a future Seeds Canada board that is focused on In my mind there is no other option but to come togethercreating business opportunities, innovation and growth, in some form, be it now or later. Regardless of what thatthere is reason for optimism. SEPTEMBER 2020 GERMINATION.CA 37'