b'TARIFFS, TENSIONS, AND TRADEAs the seed sector moves to navigate rough trade waters, experts say we have an opportunity to focus on the bigger picture.Marc Zienkiewicz, Seed World Canada Senior EditorTHE LANDSCAPE FOR agriculture and tradechain benefi ts. Thats why its critical to think has always been complex, but recent politicalholistically about these challenges.moves south of the border have turned up theComin adds that as the dust settles on a heat. As Seeds Canada policy director Laurenturbulent couple months of new U.S. policies, Comin puts it, Its chaotic, unpredictable andthe Canadian seed industry is bracing itself for difficult to plan for.whats next. It hasnt fully sunk in yet. But So much so that Seeds Canada has joinedone thing is clear: were all in this together, and forces with the Canadian Agri-Food Tradewere prepared to adapt as a unifi ed sector.Alliance (CAFTA), a coalition of national organizations that support a more open andFast and Furiousfair international trading environment forWith changes coming fast and furious, the agriculture and agri-food.Canadian seed sector fi nds itself balancing Through its partnership as a Friend ofcaution and action while monitoring every CAFTA, Seeds Canada will be able to accessripple eff ect. President Donald Trump is information, contribute to broader industryWere listening to everyone, Comin says.implementing an ambitious strategy and leverage CAFTAs infl uence,But whats coming from south of the border,agenda to overhaul U.S. trade Comin says. from President Trump, is defi nitely causingpolicy.Thats new for the seed sector. Its aboutconcern. One moment, its an executive order; leveraging infl uence, building partnerships,the next, he says something in a press confer-and recognizing our interconnected valueence. Its hard to know which direction to chain. focus on.The stakes are high, and Seeds CanadaA perfect example of this unpredictabilityunderstands the need for a measured approach.is Trumps proposed studies and deadlines on We cant aff ord to be reactionary or givetrade defi cits and tariff s. His promised tariff s premature advice to our members. Triggeringdidnt materialize the day he was inaugurated, a major business decision on shaky informa- as was expected. He then said hed implement tion is a risk were not willing to take. At thethem in February. He changed his mind, put-same time, we cant downplay the potentialting them offuntil March. In the meantime, impacts either, Comin says. he implemented steel and aluminum tariff s.Our customers success is tied to ourThis uncertainty leaves Canadian busi- Lauren Comin serves as policy success. If theyre profi table, the entire valuenesses scrambling for answers. Even if seeddirector for Seeds Canada.4 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA MARCH 2025'