b'marked for areas like AI, tax credits and global talent recruit- have to spend smarter. Right now, were not doing either very ment. well.The front end of the budget reads like it was written by people who fully understand the innovation challenge,Seeds Canadas Strategy: Show Up, Simplify, and StayMcCann says. Seeds Canadas approach is to be consistently present in Ottawa But agriculture is treated differently. AAFC is facing up toand relentlessly clear in its messaging. The organization held $150 million in annual savings, likely landing heavily on sci- 24 meetings over three days during its 2025 lobby event, plus ence and innovation functions, even as contribution programsfollow-ups, submissions, and a joint evening reception with remain mostly intact. If the government were really seriousCropLife Canada and Fertilizer Canada. About 150 people about its stated priorities, it would be doubling down on agri- attended.cultural science, not cutting it, McCann argues. Seeds Canada is also working to simplify its message. AAFC plans to streamline science, concentrate on fourWe assume people understand the difference between seed priority areas, and shift more work to other actors. It contin- regulatory modernization and intellectual property, but they ues to reference new models such as its wheat science frame- often dont, Comin says. We have to start from a shared work, but the implications for plant breeding remain unclear. understanding. Thats how you get good policy.Change is coming to the science footprint, McCannBoth Comin and McCann end in the same place: says. We just dont know what it looks like yet. collaboration is essential.Globally, public ag R&D growth is now driven mostlyAny meaningful solution will come from working together by emerging economies, while many high-income countries Seeds Canada, growers, public institutions, private breeders,including Canadaare flat or declining. Internationalthe whole chain, McCann says. We dont need a new bodies like the UN and IFPRI emphasize that the worldalphabet-soup organization. We need people to show up and needs more, not less, agricultural innovation to feed 10 billioncollaborate.people and withstand climate shocks. Comin sees real opportunity. Policymakers are actively Canada isnt declining in a vacuumits falling behindasking for input. Committees are studying regulation, as others accelerate. innovation and trade. Seeds Canada has already been invited Fragmentation matters more when funding is tight,to speak to the Standing Committee on International Trade on McCann notes, pointing to Australia, where clearer delineationfree trade and seed.between funders and performers has helped stretch resources.Lobby Day isnt a photo op, she says. Its part of a long, If youre not going to spend significantly more, you at leastongoing conversation about how Canada can stay competitive. 18 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JANUARY 2026'