Five Canadian seed-based associations are finalizing the process of merging into one, industry-wide organization, and while the move is a welcome one across the industry, the process comes at a challenging time in the agriculture industry.
Still, the move is needed and a positive one, say industry participants. The Seed Synergy process is to create a “strong, unified organization to deliver improved business processes, stronger lobbying power, and continued collaboration with Canada’s agriculture industry,” according to its website.
“All of this will create an enhanced business environment for our members while advancing Canada’s seed industry to be more globally attractive and competitive,” says Dave Carey, executive director, Canadian Seed Trade Association.
The five organizations of Seed Synergy are: the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, the Canadian Seed Trade Association, the Canadian Seed Institute, the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada, the Canadian Plant Technology Agency, in collaboration with CropLife Canada.
StrategyCorp is leading the development of the New Seed Organization (the working name) transition plan, and will be presenting proposed governance structures for member consultation this winter, with a final transition plan road map slated for spring of 2020, and targeting a member ratification vote at the July 2020 annual meeting in Winnipeg, Man.
Carey admits that it’s not the greatest timing for farmer consultations (specifically on the new royalty structure proposals) given the multiple years of very tough growing conditions and trade disruption, but the change is needed for the industry to gain efficiencies on resources, get traction on policy movement, and move forward.
As for the value creation/royalty model proposals in front of the industry, Carey says that the industry has gone through many examples and done the due diligence on how other countries handle plant breeding investment, and says the two options proposed by the government really are the most workable options out there.
Hear the entire discussion on Seed Synergy, royalty changes and more, below:
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