b'Seeds of Uncertainty: Our Industry Needs to Prepare for Whats ComingOUR INDUSTRY NEEDSto prepare for whatsfar fewer people on the planet in the coming decades, coming. Unfortunately, Im not sure were having a seri- and that means fewer mouths to feednot more. This ous conversation on how to do that. has a direct impact on the number of customers the Its a topic that resonates far beyond the confinesseed industry serves and could present an existential of just seed production, with implications for foodthreat to our sector.security, economic stability, and global cooperation. ItsSo, what steps should the North American seed clear that the North American seed industry has a vitalindustry take to prepare for this increasing global role to play in safeguarding not only its interests butinstability?also the well-being of the nation and the world at large. Invest in Research and Innovation: Continued Global instability is no longer an abstract conceptresearch and development are essential to breed crops MARC ZIENKIEWICZ or a buzzword that sounds good on a podcast. Fromthat can thrive in changing environmental conditions. is the senior editor ofglobal conflicts like the violence happening in the MiddleInvestments in innovative breeding techniques, such Seed World Canada East that could have ripple effects for oil prices andas gene editing, can help create crops that are more .more, to trade tensions like the recent Canadian canolaresilient and productive.ban that China had in place for three years, to theDiversify Markets: We should actively explore and gathering political storm were all watching build in thecultivate new markets. Reducing dependence on a few United States, to the profound consequences of climatekey trading partners can buffer the impact of political change, Canada is experiencing a tumultuous period,and trade disruptions.and this turmoil is increasingly going to affect us. Collaboration and Cooperation: Collaboration with Here are a few key factors to consider: international partners can help navigate geopolitical Climate Change: This poses an existential threattensions. Engaging in cooperative projects can ensure to agriculture, impacting crop yields, changing pesta steady flow of genetic materials for breeding and and disease patterns, and making traditional growingfacilitate knowledge exchange.practices less reliable. As the world warms, the NorthClimate Adaptation: Focus on breeding for climate American agricultural landscape will face new chal- adaptation is paramount. Developing crop varieties lenges, making it imperative for the seed industry tothat can withstand droughts, floods, and extreme tem-continue to invest in the development of resilient andperatures is essential to secure the future of agriculture.adaptable crop varieties. Sustainable Practices: Reducing carbon emissions, Global Trade: Trade tensions and disruptions haveconserving soil health, and protecting biodiversity are already affected the North American seed industry,integral parts of the industrys role in global stability. with international markets becoming increasinglyAlso, consider how your business will thrive with fewer unpredictable. A diversified approach to export mar- customers and not more.kets and a focus on strengthening domestic produc- The writing is on the wall: we must be prepared for tion are strategies to mitigate these risks. increasing global instability. The challenges of climate Geopolitical Uncertainty: These can have far- change, trade tensions, and geopolitical uncertainty reaching impacts, potentially disrupting supply chains,require proactive measures. By investing in innova-creating barriers to trade, and affecting our industrystion, diversifying markets, and embracing a coopera-access to crucial resources. Companies should exploretive spirit, we can play a crucial role in ensuring food ways to minimize their exposure to geopolitical risks. security, promoting global stability, and safeguarding A Declining World Population: Contrary to popularthe future of agriculture in North America and around belief, the world population is experiencing a crash thatthe world.is only going to get more significant. Theres a veryThe path forward is undoubtedly challenging, but it solid argument to be made that we will not have 9 bil- is also filled with opportunities for those who are willing lion mouths to feed in 2050; in reality, were set to haveto adapt and lead the way.SW108/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2023'