b'we stop investing, well feel that loss for decades.That point hit home with many retailers watching the session. After all, demand for elite genetics starts with con-sumer demand. And when farmers see more dollars in their pockets, they invest in better seed.Wheat Isnt Wheat: The Global ImperativeIf Reid outlined the domestic resilience picture, then Leif Carlson, director of market intelligence and trade policyat Cereals Canada, mapped out the global one.Fresh off a trade mission to Washington, Carlson says that integrated supply chains between Canada and the U.S. arent theoreticaltheyre the backbone of billions in economic activ-ity. We take it for granted, but the U.S.Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew recently announced funding for the Cereals Canada GATE initiative.is one of our largest cereals customers. And theyre often not thinking about us. We go down there to remind them thatof Canadian cereals. It helps our cus- The North American seed market, she Canada is part of their food security. tomers understand why Canadian wheatnotes, is integrated to the point that dis-Carlson highlights oats as a per- is worth paying more for, says Carlson.ruptions in regulation or biotech policy fect example of cross-border synergy.And that value comes back to every partcan cascade down the entire value chain. Saskatchewan grows what Nebraskaof the chainincluding seed. Seed disruptions may not hit farmers in cant. Nebraska grows what we cant.Retailers have a clear takeaway here:year one. But by year two? Theyll feel it.Thats good for everyonefrom farm- global demand for premium CanadianHer recent trip to the ASTA ers to processors to consumers. cereals begins with trusted seed and con- Leadership Summit in Washington, The lesson: Canadas role in globalsistent genetics. GATE will help amplifyD.C., is part of a longer-term effort to food systems is based on reliability, qual- that connection. build what she calls soft diplomacyity, and relationships. And its paying off. As Lauren Comin, policy director forthe kind of trust and understanding that Seeds Canada, reminds everyone, seedhappens not just in boardrooms, but in GATE: The Future Interface of Trade might be the quietest part of the valuehallways and hallway conversations.Cereals Canadas new Global Agriculturechainbut its also the first. Most seedWe need to be in the room. And we Technology Exchange initiative (GATE)produced in Canada is used domestically,need to be ready to help others, not just is funded in part by a significant invest- she says. But we cant afford to ignoreask for help.ment from the Manitoba government.our international ties. The whole system is GATE will be headquartered in down- deeply interdependent. A Review or a Rewrite?town Winnipeg and serve as a hub forComin has been expanding SeedsWith the United States-Mexico-Canada technical exchange, product testing, andCanadas international engagement, join- Agreement (USMCA) review set for trade relationship building. ing CAFTA as a partner and building2026, the seed and cereals sectors are Its not about the building, Carlsonstronger ties with the American Seedalready preparing. And many believe this explains. Its about what happens insideTrade Association (ASTA) and Seedreview may become a full renegotiation. face-to-face interaction betweenAssociation of the Americas. Its notWe cant be an afterthought, Canadian experts and global buyers. about competing with each other, sheComin warns. Historically, trade talks Whether its Indonesian millers learn- explains. Its about harmonizing poli- focus on dairy, on commodity cropsing how to best use CWRS wheat, orcies, removing trade disruptions, andbut if seed isnt at the table, we risk losing new product evaluations with bakers andmaking sure seed keeps moving acrossaccess, protections, or recognition of IP processors, GATE will deepen the valueborders. that weve fought hard to secure.JULY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 35'