b'INSIDE THEON THE PRAIRIES, partnerships matter. And the announce-ment that CANTERRA SEEDS has acquired Alliance Seed is more than a handshake deal between two pedigreed seed STRATEGIC THINKINGplayersits a thoughtful alignment of shared values, comple-mentary strengths, and a vision to better serve farmers across the West, says CANTERRA SEEDS President and CEO Brent THAT BROUGHTDerkatch.At its heart, the move brings together two companies with CANTERRA SEEDSa history of listening to growers and a track record of delivering high-quality, locally adapted seed. But if you talk to the people behind the merger, its clear: this isnt about absorbing a com-AND ALLIANCE SEEDpetitor. Its about building a broader, stronger platformone that can deliver more choice, more support, and more resilience for seed growers and farmers alike.TOGETHER For Derkatch, the acquisition reflects a natural evolution in the companys strategy.Weve always believed that farmer success starts with seed, Derkatch says. Bringing Alliance Seed into the CANTERRA With evolving challenges on the farm, thisSEEDS family means we can expand our reach while continu-partnership positions Prairie growers to ing to offer top-performing varieties through a network of trusted seed growers.meet the future. Among those varieties are CDC Endure milling oats and AAC Leroy VB CWRS wheat, well-established perform-Marc Zienkiewicz, Seed World Canada Senior Editor ers in the Western Canadian landscape. Combined with CANTERRA SEEDS own lineup and their ongoing invest-ment in Limagrain Cereals Research Canada, the company is positioning itself to offer one of the most robust and relevant seed portfolios in the region.Importantly, Alliance Seed will continue operating as a standalone brand, preserving the identity and relationships it built under Paterson Grain, which has been a fixture in Canadian agriculture for over a century.For Shane Paterson, director of trading and transportation at Paterson Grain and former president of Alliance Seed, continuity was key.We werent looking for just any buyerwe were looking for a good fit, Paterson explains. CANTERRA SEEDS shares our belief in personal-ized service, regional focus, and strong grower relationships. Were confident theyll help the Alliance brand grow while staying true to its roots.That focus on continuity extends to the team itself. Key staff from Alliance Seed are making the transition, ensuring that cus-tomers and retailers can expect the same level of service theyve come to know.4 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JULY 2025'