Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 6038 International Voice As secretary-general for the International Seed Federation (ISF) based in Switzerland, Michael Keller has his finger on the pulse of seed around the world, including what’s coming out of Canada — one of the world’s most crucial seed providers. Keller was present at this year’s annual meeting, where he spoke about what the Canadian seed industry needs to do to remain a prominent player on the world stage. As part of a panel discussion on the future of seed through- out Canada and the world, he had some key insights for the 200 delegates present. “Getting members involved is critical for an association — and involvement needs excitement. Fundamental to this is to have a common dream — a shared vision for ISF and its members is critical,” he says. “There also needs to be a clear, comprehensible roadmap setting out the strategic objectives from which we can develop coherent and con- sistent key messages.” Keller shared his “Six A’s” with the delegates: Association, Acceptance, Assessment, Actions, Advocacy and Alliances. According to Keller, they’re based on one of ISF’s core values, collaboration. “We have to accept the way things are changing and adapt our associations in order to secure our future,” he says. “ISF relies on members to be ambassadors in their words and actions, and national seed associations have to clarify who is doing what.” Leadership Brent Derkatch is one of the people responsible for steer- ing CSTA. As its new president, he takes over for Horner. Derkatch is operations and business development director for CANTERRA SEEDS in Manitoba. “This was the second annual meeting now where we’ve implemented a workplan strategy for each operating com- mittee,” Derkatch says. “It helps us formulate a nice agenda and monitor our progress.” Monitoring that progress is becoming increasingly impor- tant for an industry where technology and the regulatory environment are changing faster and more dramatically than ever before. “We have to accept the way things are changing and adapt our associations in order to secure our future.” — Michael Keller Register today for the “Investing in Certified Seed” training program for retailers and crop advisors. Learn about Quality Assurance, Innovation, Traceability and the Return on Investment for your farmer customers. Go to caar.org/training/investing-in-certified-seed to register. Visit seedgrowers.ca for more information on Certified Seed. *Eligible for .5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) credits training program for retailers and crop advisors. to register. for more information on Certified Seed.