b'people, the number of countries that participated, and in terms of the range of people who took part. But on top of that, we received some very solid feedback from people who said it was very valuable from a business perspective, Risso says. The people who attend are here to do business. We attract very high-calibre attendees who are serious about doing busi-ness in the Americas and who attend because they get results by attending. That counts for something.Sarah Foster, president of 20/20 Seed Labs based in Nisku, Alta., agrees that the SAA event is becoming a more crucial one over time, and the meeting between Seeds Canada members and ANPROS was one example of the high-level discussions that take place there.It was an eye opener. The agenda was compelling and to say the least very forward thinking. South America has found a way to propel themselves forward with modern thinking and a need to address the challenges around farming with climatic changes. They are true leaders in our industry and are ready to take on any aspect of being climate-friendly, Foster says.Sarah Foster is president ofLauren Comin is Seeds Canada In terms of the agenda at the Seeds Canada/ANPROS gath- 20/20 Seed Labs. regulatory affairs manager.ering, attendees discussed ways to make the flow of seed go more smoothly and reduce costs. From a Canadian seed company perspective, we want to communicate to SAG why Chile is important to Canada and make sure everybody is pulling in the same direction to make the supply chain work. And then, of course, there are challenges, so we wanted to talk about some of the things that we can improve, Horner says. Those areas for improvement include paving the way for third-party field inspections in Chile, something Canada has made a reality in recent years and which Chile is moving toward as well. Ways of streamlining the import/export process were discussed as well.It was a very open discussion, Horner adds.ANPROS and many of the 74 members it represents have a long relationship with Canadian seed entities, notes Mario Schindler, executive director for ANPROS. He says the meeting helped further cement the relationship between Chilean seed companies and their Canadian counterparts.Scott Horner, chief commercialMario Schindler leads Chiles Canadian companies are very interested in field inspec- officer for HyTech Production. national seed association.tions. In Chile, we now have in place an authorization of third parties for seed inspections. Its something weve been making progress in over time.Having Seeds Canada at the table nearly two years after the Lauren Comin, regulatory affairs manager for Seeds Canada,organization was created by the amalgamation of four Canadian attended the gathering and says the issue of third-party inspec- seed associations is a major asset to the Chilean seed industry, tions is an important one for Seeds Canada members who doSchindler adds.business in South America, specifically Chile. The Canadian seed industry coming together in the form Inspectors from countries in South America may not alwaysof Seeds Canada has been a big benefit to ANPROS. Having be as familiar with our crop types, so making sure that we haveworked in the seed association sphere for so many years, I know those with expertise recognized and authorized to do that isthat if youre able to bring together all these people and have important. Its not going to happen tomorrowit will take timethem move in the same direction, it really pays dividends. Webut I think our Canadian members were quite satisfied that itslook forward to seeing what benefits this merger has for Canada in the works, Comin says.and beyond in the coming years.SW 48/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2023'