16 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA SEPTEMBER 2026 SOME BUILT BETTER SEED. Others built better systems. Together, they helped shape the foundation of Canada’s pedi greed seed sector. At the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) annual meeting in Whitehorse, four longtime contributors were recognized for careers defined by service, leadership and a big commitment to Canada’s seed certification system. Rick Love, Ken Macpherson Receive Honorary Life Award Rick Love has spent more than 40 years advancing seed production, variety devel opment and regulatory excellence across Western Canada. In leadership roles with United Grain Growers, BrettYoung Seeds, and Canterra Seeds, he has introduced over 150 improved varieties across cereals, oil seeds, pulses, forages, and specialty crops. Love has contributed to variety registration and advisory committees and served on CSGA’s Regulatory Services Committee. He credited years of spirited debate within the association for making CSGA stronger. “We can have these discussions and go toe-to-toe on stuff because we all have a passion for it,” he said. “I really do appreciate it.” Joining Love as an Honorary Life Award recipient was Ken Macpherson, whose career helped shape Canada’s seed crop inspection system. Instrumental in implementing the Licensed Seed Crop Inspector program, Macpherson ensured inspections met the highest standards and provided guidance to colleagues, CSGA, and the seed sector at large. He reflected fondly on his years work in French, was the family’s belief in the importance of certified seed. “For 50 years, pedigreed seed has been at the heart of our farm,” he said through an interpreter, emphasizing the role quality seed plays as the first link in the production chain. Joining Laflamme as a Robertson Associate Award recipient was Saskatchewan seed grower Laurie Wakefield. He has played a key role in deliver ing high-quality seed to growers across his region. Beyond the farm, Wakefield has served in multiple roles with the Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association and joined the CSGA board in 2018. “I think most of us that take on roles in organizations like this don’t do it for recognition,” he said. “We do it because we believe in what the association can do to benefit the seed sector.” THE RED CARPET WHAT DECADES OF SERVICE LOOK LIKE: MEET THE 4 LEADERS HONOURED BY CSGA The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association recognized Rick Love, Ken Macpherson, Éric Laflamme and Laurie Wakefield for careers that quietly transformed Canada’s seed sector. By Marc Zienkiewicz Clockwise from top left: Rick Love, Ken Macpherson, Laurie Wakefield and Éric Laflamme. ing alongside CSGA and fellow industry leaders. “It was rewarding to be part of the relationship between CFIA and CSGA and contributing to Canada’s seed certifi cation system.” Éric Laflamme, Laurie Wakefield Recognized with Robertson Associate Award The Robertson Associate Award recog nizes CSGA members who have dem onstrated exceptional commitment to the association while contributing to the betterment of the seed sector. One of this year’s recipients was Quebec seed grower Éric Laflamme. He operates Ferme Roflamme inc., a second-generation dairy and field crop operation producing certified seed in long-standing collaboration with Sollio Cooperative. At the heart of his remarks, delivered
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