Seeds Canada’s New President says Providing Value for Members is a Top Priority

Jul 12, 2024

His appointment comes at a pivotal time, with numerous opportunities and challenges on the horizon.

“There’s a lot going on, and I think it would be remiss of me not to comment on Ellen Sparry and all of the things she has done in her capacity as chair, both in Seeds Canada and with one of the legacy organizations, CSTA. Ellen certainly paved the way, and so I feel that I’m in good hands now moving into the chair position,” he said during a Seed World Canada podcast interview this week during the Seeds Canada annual conference in Edmonton, Alta.

Acknowledging the significant contributions of his predecessor, Collins emphasized the importance of continuity and building upon established foundations.

“I have big shoes to fill,” he noted, referring to Sparry’s long tenure and extensive knowledge. “As president, you kind of have to pick up where Ellen left off. Any organization, especially a young one like Seeds Canada, faces many challenges. The key is to look at these challenges as opportunities or areas of focus.”

Collins is determined to drive the organization forward, focusing on two main areas: revisiting the strategic plan and enhancing member value. “We’re going to immediately be picking up a review of our strategic plan,” he explained. “This is something we did about three years ago when Seeds Canada was formed. Most organizations revisit their strategic plan, and our intentions are to do that this fall. It’s exciting to see if our compass is still pointed in the right direction.”

He also stressed the importance of providing value to members. “From day one, we’ve made a commitment that our members must feel there’s value in being part of Seeds Canada. We’ll make sure we are providing direction, leadership, and what our members are looking for.”

When asked about what it takes for members to see value in the organization, Collins highlighted engagement and being heard. “There are many important topics for our seed industry in the next few years, and we need to ensure members feel they are contributing, being consulted, and active in charting the path for Seeds Canada.”

Reflecting on the past three years, Collins identified four key areas where Seeds Canada has made significant progress: Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM), intellectual property, government relations, and communications. “With SRM, we’ve had dozens of members engaged, advocating for the seed sector. It’s not done yet, but we remain committed. On intellectual property, the Variety Use Agreement (VUA) is crucial for breeders’ protection and long-term innovation for Canadian farmers.”

Government relations have also been a priority. “We implemented a government relations strategy this year and hosted our first lobby days on Parliament Hill last fall. We’ll do the same in 2024,” Collins said. “Communications have been strong, guiding our messaging and supporting our members. Our first Seed School initiative and our annual and semi-annual meetings have been significant achievements.”

Looking ahead, Collins is aware of the areas needing improvement, particularly gaining alignment among members. “It’s always tricky in the business world to get alignment on topics. We’ll continue to focus on getting members’ input to put forward solutions that benefit the seed industry.”

Click here to see more...

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.