b'CSTA / SEEDINNOVATION.CA / CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR INFO ON OUR SEMI-ANNUAL MEETINGTAKING TIME TO HONOUR OUR BEST AND BRIGHTESTAS YOU KNOW, this years Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) annual general meeting was held virtually. It was the first time weve held our AGM over the internet. Were now planning for our semi-annual meeting, which will be held in a virtual format due to ongoing concerns about live events in light of the pandemic.Im pleased to say we will beScott Horner will receive the SeedKofi Agblor is the 2020 CSTA Liz Lumsden,honouring two very important peopleAchievement Award. Honorary Life recipient.Communications our 2020 Seed Achievement Award and Memberwinner Scott Horner and Honorarydent in July 2015a pivotal year during which the Seed Services Manager Life Membership awardee Kofi Agblor. Synergy project began in earnest. Scott is general manager ofScott has been a strong contributor to the SAA HyTech Production in Coaldale, Alta.working groups on phytosanitary issues and seed treat-Hes been a longtime contributor toment. As part of that working group, Scott has helped to the CSTA and to the seed sector inrepresent the interests of all the countries of the Americas Canada. He is a wealth of informa- in processes to develop harmonized guidelines in order tion on seed production and market- to facilitate the trade of seed, says Diego Risso, executive ing; an astute manager and expertdirector of the SAA. His consistent participation has ben-on governance and policy develop- efitted Canada and the other countries in the Americas.ment; and a calm voice of reasonKofi Agblor joined Saskatchewans Crop Development and compromise who is not afraid toCentre (CDC) as managing director in 2012 until his deal with difficult issues and to bringdeparture in January 2020. He is currently a strategic diverse interests together aroundadviser based in Edmonton.common interests, notes former CSTADuring [his time at the CDC] we learned ofand chief executive Patty Townsend. began to appreciateKofis passion for driving innova-He is an active participant intion and challenging the status quo. He has a been a the Oilseeds, Pulses and Westerntireless advocate for the university, the Crop Development Cereals Committee. He chaired theCentre, the research programs and his staff, says Todd Hybrid Canola Sub-Committee whereHyra, western business manager for SeCan.significant progress has been madeKofi has been a regular attendee at CSTA meetings around canola varietal purity, andsince his appointment to the CDC. He could be counted around issues facing the contra- on to provide his expertise and global experience in seasonal production of canola seed.CSTA committee meetings and other CSTA events.To those who know him, he is aBeyond his role as the CDC managing director, he champion for parent seed productionsupports industrial and agricultural development at a companies and their efforts to secureglobal level, including hosting international delegates of skilled labour through the SeasonalUPOV from developing countries, as well as attending the Agricultural Workers Program. UNFAO to promote UPOV and plant breeding to develop-Scotts knowledge and participa- ing countries. tion at the international level extendsWe look forward to honouring both Scott and Kofi at to work at the International Seedour semi-annual, at which time well also award our 2020 Federation and to a strong leadershipPlant Breeding & Genetics Award winner Rob Graf who role with the Seed Association of theyou read about back in January. Well also announce the Americas (SAA). His experience as a2020-2021 Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation (CPBI) leader led him to the CSTA board ofaward and scholarship winners.directors in 2008. He became presi- Stay tuned to this space for updates. 38GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2020'