b'Were Collaborating to Unlock SHARI LAFRENIERESENIOR ANALYST & LAB the Potential of BiostimulantsMANAGER, 20/20 SEED LABSShari@2020seedlabs.ca AS WE CELEBRATEthe thirdGrowing the Network: 2020seedlabs.ca @2020Seedlabs anniversary of the Acadian OpenOver the past three years, weve Academy, Im thrilled to share theexpanded beyond academia, journey that has reinvigorated ourwelcoming diverse players to the approach to innovation and col- Acadian Open Academy family. Our Secret to 10 Yearslaboration.Partnerships now include com-The academys beginnings werepanies like KeyGene, integral in of Success in Manitoba rooted in the quest for feedbackunveiling the molecular mysteries on new product concepts and theof our products. This evolution pursuit of like-minded collabora- has diversified our perspectives A DECADE AGO , we opened our Winnipeg lab and,tors. As our biostimulant productsand propelled our understanding since then, weve been meeting new people andbecome more widely used, its keyforward.gaining the trust of seed growers in Manitoba andto understand how we can makeUnderstanding our products corporate customers as well. them even better and more effec- at a molecular level is paramount. Thats been the key to our successformingtively harness the power of seaweedOur ongoing projects with relationships. Hindsight is always 20/20 (no punextract to fuel plant growth. KeyGene illustrate the next intended) but, looking back, we prioritized severalFrom Humble Beginnings:stepsexploring dose-response key things to ensure our Winnipeg lab became aThe Acadian Open Academy wasrelationships and delving into the staple of the Manitoba seed community. founded in September 2020 withsynergy between active ingredi-We showed up. From the beginning, we attendedthe vision to bring researchersents.grower meetings and trade shows to create rapporttogether for face-to-face collabo- Seeds of Future Collaboration: with seed growers and let them know that we had aration. However, the pandemicOur network will continue to presence in Manitoba. We wanted to get our name outhad other plans, pushing us intogrow, strengthening relationships, there and show that we were on the ground locally,the virtual realm. We rallied ourenhancing communication, and and not just in Alberta where our head office is. forces, assembling experts in vari- advancing not only our products Our motto is, Never stop growing and we liveous fields for impactful sessionsbut the broader realm of agricul-that: were always looking to learn. Every year bringsthat fueled innovation. tural science.new challenges in agriculture, and theres never a dullA Symbiotic Bond: Our col- In the biostimulant realm, year. Theres always something new to learn. laboration isnt a one-way street.partnerships arent just about In that spirit, we made learning a priority. OverWe seek partners who can enrichfunding or transactions. Theyre the past decade, weve learned a lot about crops likeour technological capabilities whileabout co-creation, shared insights, soybean and their respective industries. When webenefiting from the insights weand mutual growth. first started, soybeans were just starting to take off inbring to the table. This reciproc- Were always looking to expand Manitoba, and there were not many acres dedicatedity is essential, ensuring a thrivingthe family, and welcome inquir-to their production. Ten years later, were on theecosystem of ideas and knowledgeies from those who want to get ground inspecting over 20,000 acres of soybeans forexchange. involved and become a part of the production. revolution in biostimulants. For The Soybean and Pulse Agronomy Lab at themore info visit our website and University of Manitoba has been instrumental in thislearn how to get involved.growth. They have been a great partner and helped us serve our soybean customers to the best of our ability, which leads me to my next point.As we look forward to the future, we are reminded of our key pillar of success: we put the clients first, noHOLLY LITTLEmatter what part of the country we service. Whether its in Alberta, Manitoba or elsewhere, one of the keyDIRECTOR, RESEARCH ANDDEVELOPMENT, ACADIAN PLANT things that has made our business successful is ourHEALTHcommitment to our clients and our ability to givehlittle@acadian.cathem accurate and quick results. acadianplanthealth.comOurs is very much a relationship-based business. @acadianplanthealthIts all based on trust and transparency, which is what people look for in a seed testing partner.22GERMINATION.CANOVEMBER 2023'