b'SEEDS CANADA / SEEDS-CANADA.CA / WE RISK FALLING BEHIND WHILE THE WORLD RACES AHEADTHE FUTURE IS READY. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER CANADA ISIF THERES ONEphrase Id eliminate from our collec- more. The genetics in and technologies applied to tive vocabulary for a year, it would be status quo. the seed matters, but equally transformative are the The seed sector has spent too long circling arounddigital tools and artificial intelligence systems that the same debates, the same structural issues, and thewill define the next decade of agriculture. same inertia. The truth is simple: status quo is not anArtificial intelligence is the true inflection point option if we want a competitive future. for our sector. We are at the beginning of a revolution Were living in an era where innovation is movingin how breeding is done, how testing is analyzed, and faster than ever before. Farmers around the worldhow innovations reach the market.are gaining access to new varieties, digital tools, andIn 10 years, well look back on this moment as By Brent Collins,on-seed technologies that change how food is grown,the start of a transformation. Breeders will be able to Seeds Canadamarketed, and consumed. Meanwhile, Canadamodel traits with accuracy we cant imagine today. President risks tying its own hands with outdated regulatoryFarmers will see products arrive in the marketplace approaches and hesitation on the value creation ques- faster, backed by data-driven insights that strip away tion. Standing still in this environment isnt neutraluncertainty. The Canadian seed sector has a chance toits falling behind. leadbut only if we stop dragging our feet.Innovation Doesnt Happen for Free Its Time to Reward Investment and IngenuityThe biggest threat to innovation in seed isnt a lack ofSeed regulatory modernization is entering its decisive ideas or talent. Its the failure to recognize that breed- stage. After a five-year consultation, the Canadian ers must be compensated for their work. Breeding isFood Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released its Seed a long, expensive, and risky endeavour. Without fairRegulatory Modernization (SRM) Policy paper, and and predictable returns, investment dries up. AndSeeds Canada responded in kind. when investment dries up, the pipeline of new varie- While were encouraged that CFIA has embraced ties slows to a trickle. our seed advisory body concept that we have united Other countries have figured this out. Theyvewith the Canadian Seed Growers Association on, built systems that reward breeders and channelwere also concerned that the documents proposed resources back into research. Canada is still trying tochanges fall short of meaningfully improving farmers have the conversation. Until we stop treating this asaccess to seed or reducing seed costs through regula-optional, we will continue to limit the very innova- tory streamlining.tion farmers are demanding. We need structural, meaningful change that creates an environment where innovation can thrive. Stop Pretending Whats Broken is Working That means streamlining approvals, reducing barriers, Theres another uncomfortable truth we need to face:and ensuring that the rules of the game reward invest-our regulatory system isnt agile enough to get inno- ment and ingenuity.vation to farmers quickly. Farmers cant afford to wait another five years for Seed regulatory modernization has been sim- clarity. Neither can the companies and public breeders mering for five years. The industry has been clearinvesting their time and capital into Canadas future. in its feedback: make the system nimble, make itThe global marketplace wont pause while we debate responsive, make it work. Canadian growers deserve its moving forward every day.access to innovation at the same pace as their globalThe Canadian seed sector has everything it needs competitors. Anything less is unacceptable. to succeed: world-class science, dedicated farmers, innovative companies, and an industry that believes A Golden Microphone to Farmers in the value of progress. What we lack is urgency.Hear More of BrentsIf I had the chance to broadcast one message acrossStatus quo is the enemy of progress. Its the anchor Thoughts on Seed World 360! every Canadian farm, it would be this: be optimisticholding us back when we should be sprinting forward.because change is coming, and its coming fast. The question isnt whether change is neededits Innovation isnt only about the seed itself any- whether well be bold enough to make it. 38SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA NOVEMBER 2024'