34 GERMINATION.CA MARCH 2018 INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP The green paper vision is one of an industry-led, government-enabled seed system. In that context, the Synergy vision is that of the crop value chain playing a much larger role in making decisions about regulatory requirements, and how each crop type is managed. Would this type of arrangement realize the vision of industry leadership? What’s missing? "I’ve done lots of strategic planning with organizations in both the ag space and outside the ag space, where various groups come together to identify issues and develop plans on how to move an industry forward progressively. I think what’s unique about the Seed Synergy project is the six organizations coming together to do that as one.” Warren Wilson, Facilitator, Seed Synergy Collaboration Project Who sets the guidelines for oversight of an “industry-led, government-enabled" system? Still need government involved in order to have public trust and keep consumer confidence intact. SINGLE WINDOW The Seed System is an information business. From breeding, to registration, to certification, all the way through to end point sales, seed products are information products. Therefore, how we use technology to manage, protect, share and leverage information will be a key driver of success in the future. The green paper envisions a single window user experience for information: one easy-to-use secure place to input, store, and view all information association with every function in the seed system. Would a single window model make a difference for you? “Smaller companies don’t have departments that look at regulatory matters. We do it all ourselves. That weight is borne by a few people; anything that would free us up is definitely adding value for the smaller companies. Having a single window, a single face for the industry, would be hugely efficient.” Kevin McCallum, General Manager, DL Seeds If we can tidy up the system, barriers to entry won’t be so big. Who manages the single window and how does it work? How transparent would it be? How can we guarantee the database is up-to-date? Would everyone have ready access, even those in rural areas? Do we keep all six associations or consolidate into one?