In this sit-down interview from the recent Seeds Canada annual conference in St. John’s, Nfld., two members of the inaugural board of Seeds Canada> Georges Chauss‚àö¬© and Quentin Martin, discuss their decision to pass on their roles to others.
Georges, who leads the seed division at Sollio Agriculture, explains that he felt his duty was fulfilled, having been part of the board during the transition from several amalgamating organizations to Seeds Canada. He now believes it is time to let others push the organization forward. Martin, who owns Cribit Seeds, felt that his experience in dealing with mergers and other spaces was valuable during the transition phase, but now he sees it as a natural time to step back and allow new members to contribute.
Both Georges and Quentin highlight the challenges and achievements during their time on the board. Setting up a new organization was no small task, but they took pride in navigating through administrative hurdles and creating a smooth transition from the legacy organizations to a broader membership at Seeds Canada. They also discuss how the pandemic, despite its constraints, forced them to adopt digital means like Zoom, making certain processes more cost-effective and efficient.
The most significant change they see in Seeds Canada is the shift in focus to a broader spectrum. Instead of being confined to specific tasks within individual legacy organizations, all contributors from the seed sector now sit at the same table, fostering a more open and collaborative environment. The goal is for people to stop thinking about the legacy organizations altogether and see Seeds Canada as the unified entity for the seed sector.
Regarding the Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) process, both acknowledge its complexity and the need for patience to work through it. They also stress the importance of learning from other successful systems and adopting applicable strategies.
In conclusion, Georges reiterates his invitation for all contributors to the seed value chain to join Seeds Canada> emphasizing the organization’s commitment to providing a home for all stakeholders in the industry. Despite the challenges, they remain hopeful for the future of Seeds Canada and its role in advancing the seed sector.
