JANUARY 2018 GERMINATION.CA 21 ALONG WITH THE PROPOSED NEW MODEL THAT EMPHASIZES IMPROVING THE BASIC FUNC- TIONS OF THE INDUSTRY IS A PROPOSAL TO CHANGE THE WAY THE INDUSTRY’S SIX ASSO- CIATIONS WORK AND INTERACT WITH ONE ANOTHER. “A common thread underlying many of the proposals put for- ward in this paper and a clear point of emphasis during Seed Synergy Collaboration Project discussions is the need for greater coordination among the six Synergy organizations, and with government,” the green paper states. “The six organizations… play largely complementary, rather than overlapping, roles in the system of today. Nonetheless, in examining the case for change we have highlighted a simple fact: the system of today is frag- mented. No one starting with a blank slate would design the private and public organizational divisions and responsibilities as they exist today. “Having many organizations means that coordination can be limited, overall administrative costs are increased, information sharing is constrained, and the voice of the sector is diluted.” The human capital thinly dispersed across these organiza- tions, departments and agencies needs to be concentrated in core networks and/or organizations FIRST LOOK: SEED SYNERGY GREEN PAPER to restore lost critical mass, increase effective- ness, and lay the foundation for sound succes- sion planning and capacity building where it is needed most, the paper proposes. “Today’s organizational model simply spreads too few resources too thin over too wide an area of responsibility and accountability. Real and significant organizational change will almost cer- tainly be required of the Seed Synergy organiza- tions. …Our vision does not rely on a specific organizational model to achieve. It does require long-term and close collaboration, as well as integrated systems and approaches.” It proposes looking at the formation of a central organization or network of organizations working through a new public-private partner- ship arrangement. “Such an organization could integrate many of the key policy analysis, program development, regulatory functions, member services activi- ties, education and promotional activities, public relations work, training and development, and administrative services currently embedded in a number of existing industry and government organizations.” WORKINGBETTERTOGETHER “NOONESTARTINGWITHABLANKSLATE WOULDDESIGNTHEPRIVATEAND PUBLICORGANIZATIONALDIVISIONSAND RESPONSIBILITIESASTHEYEXISTTODAY.” –SeenSynergygreenpaper No. The seed sector needs choice, guaranteed minimum quality assurance, and a fair playing field for all players. A Does it mean that the current pedigreed seed grade and model should be mandatory for everyone? Q