b'BUSINESS GROWTHWhat Makes People Feel Dread? Dicult Conversations!SHAWN BROOK President, Seed World Groupsbrook@seedworldgroup.comseedworldgroup.com@SeedWorldGroupEVEN JUST THEidea of having difficult conversations makefrom each of the respective parties and then not only commit-introverts (and extroverts just the same) RUN FOR COVER.ted to holding space for each to speak until they felt heard but Wouldnt it be nice to have a system to follow? A way tomore importantly went into the scene with a commitment to enhance the chances that those difficult conversations go better? getting to A fi nish line, not HER fi nish line.A process for having conversations that matter is not onlyIt was a strong reminder when I went back to self-evaluate available but is used by successful professionals around the worldthe situation, that I needed her help I needed to have some- but that said, it is a not a snap of the fi ngers type eff ort. Howone help me put a system of understanding in place and some-do we build a process for these moments? How do we create anone that was from outside the immediate situation who environment where everyone is clear about where they stand, theunderstood the moving parts but was not as tightly connected. next steps, and ultimately, what the fi nish line looks like?But lets be clear: facilitating a conversation is diff erent from I have worked with seed industry professionals from aroundfacilitating a solution. Conversations are about explorationthe world on everything from family business buyouts to largeopening the fl oor for ideas, thoughts, and opinions. Solutions multinational mergers to internal team issues all of whichrequire more structure. created many difficult conversations that needed to be managedIts also important to distinguish between facilitation, in a process. So, I consider myself to be capable and eagermediation, and moderation. These three roles might share when it comes to these situations.similar skill sets, but their goals diff er. Facilitators guide con-HOWEVER, I found myself on the other side of this theversations to foster understanding. Mediators work to resolve other evening when I was working on a tricky little parentingconfl icts by fi nding common ground. Moderators shape the issue with one of my fi ve kids and I had my wife as the media- fl ow of discussions, infl uencing the strength and direction of tor to assist in managing this challenging endeavour. She skill- relationships. Each role is vitaland knowing when to apply fully defi ned up front what a process could look like, got buy inwhich is critical.CONTRA\x1aSEASON PRODUCTIONWhat to Consider When Choosing a Counter-Season Site NICOLS SAHLI CEO, CIS Agronsahli@cischile.clcischile.clCIS AgroWHEN YOURE LOOKINGfor a location for your counter-seasoncians? Are there adequate contract growers utilizing current production, you want to ensure youre considering threetechnology? Do the countrys seed regulations allow for stream-parameters: Location and Climate, Expertise and Access, andlined import and export processes?In Chile, youll fi nd the Governance and Stability. Having the right balance of thosewell-educated agricultural workforce and advanced infrastruc-three ensures the greatest chance of success for your geneticture supports research and production. Free trade agreements material while minimizing risks. Chile is recognized as anwith major markets simplify seed imports and exports, and the example of a location that aligns well with these parameters. countrys GMO policies allow production for export. Location and Climate: A stable climate conducive to Governance and Stability: Political and economic stability growing your crops is a primary factor, of course, but it is alsois crucial for long-term projects. How is the country positioned important to take a close look at pest and disease pressures inwith global partnerships? What regulations are in place to the region, soil conditions and availability of irrigation water.protect agriculture and prevent an infl ux of crop diseases? Is Another consideration is how many annual growing cycles thethere an efficient communication system with regulators to location supports. Being able to run multiple cycles in yourensure needs of foreign clients are met in a timely manner? counter-season location can rapidly accelerate the developmentChile is both politically and economically stable, and we have of your product. Chile excels in these areas. Its geography natu- clear and open communication lines between the Chilean Seed rally reduces pest and disease pressures, minimizing the needAssociation, ANPROS, seed companies in the private sector for intensive interventions. With three annual growing cycles,and the public sectors Agriculture and Livestock Service, SAG.ample irrigation resources, and favourable soil conditions, ChileSelecting a counter-season location requires balancing off ers a dependable environment for a variety of crops. climate, expertise and stability to minimize risks and ensureExpertise and Access: Quality infrastructure and skilledsuccess. While Chile showcases how these factors align eff ec-experts lead to quality trials and successful seed multiplication.tively, the key is to carefully evaluate each element to meet your Does the location have well-educated agronomists and techni- specifi c needs, wherever you choose to base your program.MARCH 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 19'