Three-and-a-half decades ago, the company I work with was a small operation. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve expanded to encompass a thriving workspace and an influx of talented individuals. The secret to our growth? Adaptability.
Our success has been intricately linked to the ever-evolving needs of our clients. In an industry that never rests, we’ve had to make strategic decisions, like incorporating sister companies, delving into social media marketing, and diversifying our services to cater to various facets of the business. We’ve even ventured into headhunting services. Our ability to remain flexible and aligned with industry trends has been paramount to our sustained growth.
At the core of our philosophy is efficient project management a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. It’s all about collaborating with our clients to decipher their requirements and then crafting and executing bespoke solutions to address them.
Instead of offering cookie-cutter products, we learned to work hand-in-hand with clients to develop tailored solutions that seamlessly align with their current needs and future aspirations.
But major progress doesn’t happen overnight in a business.
One project that stands out in our journey through the seed sector was our involvement in stewardship for a U.S. client.
The complexity of the program grew as we had to collaborate not only with the seed company that possessed the unique seed traits but also their seed providers, retailers, and growers. This involved extensive training and meticulous tracking, starting from the retailers, through to the growers, and eventually reaching the cotton gins.
To manage this complexity effectively, we designated compliance managers who worked closely with each of these distinct groups. In addition to human resources, we developed a specialized technology that allowed us to track the movement of seeds comprehensively. This technology also enabled us to document and conduct quality assurance checks on the production and whereabouts of the seeds.
However, it wasn’t just a tech-driven venture. Considerable phone-based work and face-to-face visits were essential to ensure the accurate entry of data and strict adherence to required procedures.
Operating in both Canada and the United States brought its unique set of challenges due to regional agricultural practices and regulations. Our approach was centered on our people — we customized our workforce to suit the specific requirements of each project, ensuring the right people with the right skills were in the right places at the right times.
We’ve since entered the world of field trials, both for research and for commercialization/marketing These trials and demos range from fertilizer to seed, crop protection and even entire crop input portfolios. We also adapted as the certified seed industry changed — we are now Canada’s largest Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Service.
As sustainability takes center stage in agriculture, business models must play a crucial role in minimizing our environmental footprint. By employing part-time, localized workers, we’ve reduced travel time and maximized productive hours. This approach aligns perfectly with clients’ sustainability goals, aiding them in achieving their environmental targets.
I envision a future where we continue to adapt to the ever-changing agricultural landscape. In today’s world, you have to see yourself as a company that clients can call on when they have limited resources, limited time, and need a project done quickly, efficiently and effectively.
Staying ahead of the curve, embracing technology and championing sustainability ensures that you will remain a valuable partner for your clients for years to come.
