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A World of Change
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To steal the words of the famous Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “the only thing that is constant is change.” This is especially true for the Canadian seed industry, which seems to have faced one change after another in 2013, and 2014 is not tracking far behind — change to the 1991 framework for the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), change to the variety registration system, change to seed certification services, change to increasing disease and pest pressure and change to herbicide-resistant weeds._x000D_
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Every individual and every business deals with change differently. Some individuals and businesses foresee change and plan for it, giving them a leg up on competition when it does come down the pipeline. Others take it as it comes and react. Yet others resist change and spend precious energy finding workarounds, which puts them at a disadvantage and ultimately makes them obsolete._x000D_
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The process of managing change is riddled with various challenges, which managers and employees have to surmount to ensure a smooth transition from the current state to the desired state. This is why the ability to incorporate big changes into the DNA of a business while driving operating results is a much sought-after competency._x000D_
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As you and your company look at how to deal with these changes — viewed as either challenges or opportunities — the Boston Consulting Group outlines four factors upon which success hinges._x000D_
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Duration: The duration of time until the change program is completed if it has a short life span; if not short, the amount of time between reviews of milestones._x000D_
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Integrity: The project team’s performance integrity; that is, its ability to complete the initiative on time. That depends on members’ skills and traits relative to the project’s requirements._x000D_
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Commitment: The commitment to change that top management and employees affected by the change display._x000D_
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Effort: The effort over and above the usual work that the change initiative demands of employees._x000D_
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I, too, am in a year of change and must adapt using the above principles. As the new editor of Germination, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the Canadian seed industry and look forward to working on your behalf to deliver news and business information that will help your organization excel._x000D_
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With that, I hope that information flows both ways and that, moving forward, you feel comfortable reaching out to me with your comments, feedback and ideas._x000D_
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I grew up on a progressive American Midwest farm that consists of hogs and row crops. While many changes have taken place on the farm since I’ve left, my family continues to steward the land and look out for the welfare of animals. They’re currently in the beginning stages of implementing a succession plan, which can result in structural change at its core and often brings out raw emotion._x000D_
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Most recently, I served as the managing editor of Top Producer magazine, which focused on the business of farming. Within the past year-and-a-half, I’ve moved from Washington, D.C., where I put my skills to work as the communications director for the American Seed Trade Association to central Missouri, married my soul mate and purchased a small farm._x000D_
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While the crops and industry players vary some between the U.S. and Canada, many of the issues are similar: coexistence, intellectual property rights protection, the importance of certified seed, investment in research and attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. Regardless of location, businesses and people must work to make it not only a positive experience, but also one that brings about improvements — whether it’s in the form of efficiencies, solutions or being proactive instead of reactive._x000D_
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Let’s embrace these changes together to further the industry and tackle issues that are bigger than just one person or just one company. Let’s come together to advance the seed industry and create solutions._x000D_
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Julie Deering is the editor of Germination and Seed World magazines
