60 GERMINATION.CA JANUARY 2019 We need to draw as well on the knowledge and experience of this diverse group of people from across Canada to drive the technical and operational committees, bringing all the voices together to manage and resolve issues. We need to focus on cost-effective and impartial delivery of services that manage conflicts of interest and separate certification decisions from advocacy. And we also need to ensure we support and facilitate the varied mar- kets and production systems, whether existing or emerging, such as iden- tity preserved grains and oilseeds, organic products, sustainable agri- culture, gluten-free certification, etc., because we have to acknowledge it’s the markets that drive our industry. The innate potential programmed into a kernel of seed is a great meta- phor for where we are today. We are on the verge of realizing the incred- ible potential of our industry to adapt and grow if we continue to focus on our common goals. TOP OF MIND for the seed industry this fall and winter is Seed Synergy. The CSI board is fully behind the Seed Synergy work and recently endorsed the White Paper at its November 2018 board meeting. Seed establishments and seed laboratories should feel a sense of pride know- ing CSI represents the original Seed Synergy concept and CFIA’s first exercise in alternate service delivery. A year ago, CSI was actively working with our Seed Synergy partners planning the Green Paper consultations, engaging consultants to conduct an economic impact assessment and risk analysis of our current seed system in Canada, and preparing for the first meeting of the Seed Synergy Oversight Committee. A year has unfolded and the ideas in the Green Paper, with feedback from the entire seed industry, have evolved into a policy paper, the White Paper. A rare and unique series of events is coming into alignment that will empower the seed industry to make positive change. We’ve come a long way and now the final hurdle is upon us — governance. How do we organize ourselves to best serve the industry? The stakeholders in our industry are dependent on each other for success — breeders, growers, retailers, analysts, processors, distributors, agronomists, equip- ment manufacturers and more. From this diverse group of people, we need to find a group of champions, dreamers, visionaries, and investors to share their expertise and lead a new organization into the future. ARARESERIESOFEVENTSISCOMINGINTOALIGNMENT Roy van Wyk, CSI Executive Director CSI / CSI-ICS.COM / WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF REALIZING THE INCREDIBLE POTENTIAL OF OUR INDUSTRY 2016 2017 2018 The Barton Report speaks to the value of agriculture to the Canadian economy and the need for the federal government to make the agricultural industry a priority. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada begins its value creation consultations with seed industry stakeholders looking for feedback on two models, an end-point royalty system and a trailing royalty contract system; seed industry partner associations are working more closely than ever and are very highly aligned; the Seed Synergy partners’ submission to the Treasury Board’s consultations is well received. News breaks that the Seeds Regulations are being opened for review and the government is keen to modernize the seed regulatory environment.