I have always been a believer in the need of an organization to have a strat plan. It’s like a roadmap in a world where limited resources and endless possibilities come together. As part of Seeds Canada’s leadership team, I recently participated in an intensive process to craft our new strategic plan — a plan that I’m confident will drive us forward in delivering even greater value to our members, clients, and stakeholders.
This journey started with a question that resonated deeply: “What are the strengths and deliverables of the organization to this point and what do we want to be and do in the next three years.” It’s a question every organization must answer if they want to be successful – and for us, it was an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking to our future. Seeds Canada is relatively young, having formed just under four years ago. But despite our youth, we have had significant accomplishments, and we are eager to build on that momentum.
Working with a strategic planning firm based in Winnipeg, we engaged in a day-and-a-half of workshops involving our Board of Directors and leadership team. We were challenged to think about and articulate not just our aspirations but also where we are now and how can we position Seeds Canada on a trajectory of growth and maturity. Are we still in the start-up phase? Have we reached a growth plateau? These are tough questions, but they’re crucial to defining our next steps.
The Pillars of Our Plan
At the heart of our new strategy are three goals that will shape our path forward over the next three years:
· Increase our value to a growing member and client base.
· Build the brand to be the leading advocate for an innovative and progressive seed industry.
· Maximize our interactions with government and industry stakeholders.
In today’s fast- paced agricultural landscape, having influence is crucial. By strengthening our relationships with policymakers and industry leaders, we aim to become the trusted voice and resource that shapes the future of the seed industry.
Advocacy is about more than just talking. It’s about being heard and getting your point across clearly and concisely. Today Seeds Canada is synonymous with forward-thinking solutions and meaningful impact and we want that to grow. That is why we are building on our brand as the leading advocate for an innovative and progressive seed industry.
These goals are ambitious, but they are also grounded in reality. Beneath them lies a series of one-year objectives designed to ensure progress. Metrics will guide our success, from tracking the number of new alliances to measuring the impact of our advocacy efforts.
As you might imagine, no plan is without its hurdles. As part of our process, we conducted a SWOT analysis to identify potential challenges that could hinder our progress. Some of these challenges are within our control, such as resource allocation, while others — like shifting market dynamics — are not. Acknowledging these realities upfront allows us to prepare and adapt, ensuring we stay on course.
At the end of the day, the success of any strategic plan lies in execution. That’s why accountability is central to our approach. Our Board has set the priorities, and it’s now up to the CEO and staff to translate these into actionable steps, and make them happen. Regular check-ins will ensure we’re staying on track, addressing challenges, and celebrating successes along the way.
This process has been more than just a planning exercise; it’s been a team-building experience. Bringing together our Board and leadership team in such a collaborative way reinforced the shared commitment to Seeds Canada’s mission and vision. The energy in the room was lively and intense, and the result is a strategic plan that truly reflects the aspirations of our organization.
Seeds Canada’s journey is far from over, and with this strategic plan in place, we are prepared for growth, innovation, and greater impact. The seed industry is the foundation of agriculture, and as its advocate, we have a responsibility to lead with purpose and vision.
As we move forward, I’m excited to see this plan come to life. Together, with our members, client, stakeholders, and partners, we’ll continue to build a stronger, more innovative seed industry — one that’s ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
