b'LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020 / SEEDINNOVATION.CA / CSTA HEADING INTO A NEW DECADE OF SEED INNOVATION2019 WAS A big year for the CSTA andthe system and requested that an the seed industry at large. We haveindustry-government dialogue begin, moved forward on some key issuesand since then key industry and gov-for our members, and are excited toernment representatives have been provide an update on what weveengaged in finding a way forward for done so far as well as outlining whatinnovation in Canada.we are hoping to do next. We are Government Relations: CSTA looking forward to another greathas been telling our stories, raising decade of seed industry innovation!awareness and lobbying on behalf Our association made great pro- of our members throughout the past gress in 2019 in a number of areas:year including a federal lobby day Liz Lumsden,Seed Synergy: Together with ouron Parliament Hill and progress with CSTAfive other industry associations, weprovincial governments in Alberta, Communicationshave forged ahead on this complexOntario and Quebec. and Memberand challenging file to make realNow, we must look ahead to 2020. Services Manager change for the entire industry. In theA busy agenda begins and Im happy summer, the Synergy partners broughtto report we are making significant in a dedicated team from StrategyCorpinroads in these major areas:to guide and manage the transition Building Public Trust: CSTAs to the new organization. With manyBetter Seed, Better Life public aware-details still to be worked out, weness campaign is ramping up in 2020. know that new organization will beCSTA has developed a presentation based on principles of transparency,about the essential role of seed in accountability and equitable represen- peoples daily lives, and we are chal-tation of clearly defined stakeholders.lenging our members to give this We are targeting member votes on theDid you know?presentation to their organization, new organization in 2020. Stay tunedOur 97th annualindustry partners and the public to for more information and an oppor- meeting takes placehelp spread the message. Its a great tunity to add your voice to the designin Winnipeg, Man.,opportunity for you to get involved process. from July 12-15, 2020!and help make a difference.Value Creation: Last year, weFor more info visit Seed Regulatory Modernization: achieved what many thought wasseedinnovation.ca/ The federal government plans to impossible: consensus on a pre- agm-save-the-date/ modernize the Seed Regulations in ferred value creation model, the Seedthe fall of 2021, as they apply to seeds Variety Use Agreement or SVUA.imported, conditioned, stored, tested, Understanding of and support for thislabelled, exported and sold in Canada. model continues to grow, and youThese amendments would aim to can visit seedvaluecreation.ca to findreduce overlap and redundancy, out more. increase responsiveness to industryPlant Breeding Innovation: Wechanges, address gaps, and provide are working closely with our Seedclarity and flexibility. These changes Synergy partners and the Canadahave an important impact on the func-Grains Council to address the uncer- tions and services delivered by the tainty that products of plant breed- new national seed organization (NSO). ing innovation will face with theStay tuned in the weeks and Canadian Plants with Novel Traitsmonths ahead as we forge ahead (PNT) system. The minister of agri- in making a better industry for our culture agreed, in 2018, to improvemembers and for all Canadians! JANUARY 2020 GERMINATION.CA 49'