b'INNOVATION BLOOMWith Antoine Bernet at the helm as country division head, Bayer Crop Science Canada gives us a peek into the playbook for its canola business.Marc Zienkiewicz and Bev BetkowskiWHEN ANTOINE BERNET assumed the role of country division head for Bayer Crop Science Canada in 2023, he brought with him nearly two decades of experience driving transformation and innovation in agriculture. His leadership tenure spans across Europe and North America, marked by a track record of growth, strategic reinvention, and a focus on delivering results for farmers.I believe that leadership in agriculture today is about bal-ancing innovation with practicality, Bernet says. Farmers face unprecedented challenges, and our role is to help them not just survive but thrive.Bernets first year at the helm was a busy and transformative one. Under his leadership, Bayer Canada rolled out a bold new operating model aimed at maximizing farmer success through localized, agile decision-making.From the start, it was clear that farmers needed solutions tailored to their unique challenges, Bernet explains. Thats why we transitioned to a model built around cross-functional Squads. These teams are granted the power to make quick decisions and create solutions along with our partners. This isnt just about responding fasterits about anticipating needs and staying ahead of the curve.The Squads, organized into five regional units, are sup-ported by functional experts across Canada. This structure ensures that Bayers focus isnt diluted by one-size-fits-all strate-gies but instead remains in tune with regional dynamics.The results? Teams now spend more time directly engaging with customers, strengthening relationships, and delivering innovations that matter most, Bernet says. Its a way of build-ing bridges between the company and the farmers who use its canola seed.Innovation at the ForefrontBernet is quick to emphasize Bayers commitment to advancing crop technology. From harnessing the latest plant genetics to farmer-informed breeding programs, innovation is at the heart of Bayers strategy, he says.Antoine Bernet serves as country division head for Take our DEKALB canola hybrids, Bernet says. Weve Bayer Crop Science Canada. completely re-engineered and re-imagined the lineup to deliver on what growers demand most. They no longer need to choose 6 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JANUARY 2025'