b'HOW TO RESCUE THE SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSIONWhile its a buzzword that seems to be everywhere, a recentSeed Speaks episode shed light on how we can keep the topic from getting diluted and politicized.Rebecca Carmeli-PeslakSUSTAINABILITY CAN BE a very political word, and for goodWith sustainability becoming such a popular word, espe-reason. Its one of those popular buzzwords that roll off thecially in the political arena, the meaning is getting lost, they tongue and often sound good in campaign speeches. said.During a recent episode of Seed Speaks, titled The PoliticsWhen sustainability becomes a political tool, it can of Sustainability, Brad Brinkworth, founding partner andobscure the real goals and create a polarized environment, managing director of sermo.farm in Calgary, Alta., and Gregshared Brinkworth.Ruehle, COO of Arva Intelligence in Houston, Texas, chattedThe politicization of sustainability can divert attention from about various aspects of sustainability, including its definition,genuine sustainability efforts. The goal across the board is to be its politicization and its impact on legislation and industryable continue farming long term and have a healthy environ-practices.ment.The conversation touched on how the term sustainabilityWe can bridge the gap by helping corporations and has become widely used and sometimes diluted due to thatpolicymakers understand the positive impact of our practices, frequent use. continued Ruehle. Collaboration and education are key. Shape For me, sustainability means making decisions today thatthe narrative positively and ensure that sustainable practices are going to have a positive impact on the future, said Ruehle.remain the focus.Its up to us, particularly in agriculture, to reclaim the termBy educating others about the benefits of sustainable and define it according to our practices and values.practices, alignment with corporate and political goals can be He emphasized that sustainability is about making choicesachieved without negatively impacting agricultural practices. that lead to a better future, without letting politics get in theCollaboration, education, and engagement can guide sustain-way of that. The agricultural community needs to take controlability conversations in a positive direction.of the definition of sustainability and share their knowledge, heBy being proactive and confident in our practices, we can said. overcome this challenge and keep the focus on genuine sustain-Both Brinkworth and Ruehle stressed the importance ofability efforts, added Brinkworth. education, communication, and collaboration to move towards meeting sustainability goals without excessive politicization. They discussed the need for the agricultural and seed sectors to define sustainability on their terms and communicate theirWatch this episode of Seed Speaks in full at germination.ca/sustainability-politicsefforts effectively.44GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2023'