b"work back to in-office settings, yet he underscores the remark- ships in the pursuit of influencing the direction of plant breeding in able benefits of physical proximityenhanced communication,Canada, particularly with various breeding programs. invigorated creativity, and accelerated problem-solving.This was evident in 2015 with the formation of LCRC, which I believe that maintaining a well-coordinated office presencefocuses on wheat breeding and research with the aim of develop-is essential even as remote work has become more prominent,ing new wheat varieties that are well-suited to Canadian growing says Hansen. If anyone can create a thriving office environmentconditions and can thus benefit Canadian farmers.in this post-pandemic era, its Brent. People want to work withThe partnership created a one-two punch in the plant breed-him. They want to be there to collaborate with him.ing world, as it represented a rare move on behalf of the private sector to get involved in the world of Canadian cereals. Not only The Future were two private companies making a move to get in on wheat As Canterra Seeds makes its leadership transition, a questionbreeding, but LCRC made the deliberate decision to put its wheat looms: What advice does Hansen impart as his successor embarksvarietiesso far, its released CS Accelerate and CS Daybreakon this journey?under the Variety Use Agreement (VUA).Hansen underscores the potency of nimble, smaller entitiesThe VUA is a web-based tool used to support and increase like Canterra Seeds in an industry often dominated by industryplant breeding investment and innovation by facilitating roy-giants. In a landscape where size can sometimes hinder innova- alty collection on farm-saved seed. While the VUA platform has tion, smaller firms can stand out for their groundbreaking ideas.attracted some controversy among growers and within the seed Canterra Seeds has proactively tailored its services to cater toindustry itself, Derkatch is a strong believer in it and says Canterra the precise needs of its diverse clientele, be they retailers, seedSeeds will continue to stand behind it for as long as it remains a growers, or farmers. This adaptability emerges as a real asset inviable tool.the ever-shifting agricultural landscape, Hansen notes. One thing Ive learned over the years is that if youre not at One crucial point Ive emphasized to Brent is that this is nowthe table, youre probably on the menu. Its a phrase Ive used his game, his business, and his chance to leave his own mark. Itsbefore, and it underscores the importance of having a voice and a no longer about me; its about Brent and the future. I've encour- presence in discussions that impact our industry, says Derkatch, aged him to think big, focus on the long term, and create a visionwho served as president of the Canadian Seed Trade Association for the company, says Hansen. (which merged with three other industry associations to form While our core business is selling seed, it doesnt mean wellSeeds Canada) and whos currently chair of the Seeds Canada be doing the same things in the future. Brent is highly intelligentVUA Subcommittee.and experienced in the seed business, and I have every expecta- Over the years, Canterra Seeds has invested a lot of time and tion that he will take Canterra Seeds to new heights, and thenenergy into advocating for our industrys interests. The challenges some. This isnt about maintaining the status quo; its about evolv- we face at Canterra Seeds often align with broader industry ing and improving. challenges that our competitors also encounter. Its more efficient Canterra Seeds finds itself situated in an industry perpetuallyand effective for us to collaborate and tackle these challenges characterized by evolution and innovation. Derkatch identifiescollectively rather than attempting to address them in isolation, numerous challenges and opportunities on the horizon. ForemostDerkatch says.among these challenges is the pressing need for sustainableThis focus on cultivating long-term relationships has been piv-crop rotations, soil health preservation and fortified resistance tootal in shaping the companys identity and ensuring its continued diseases.growth. As a sales-focused seed distribution company, Canterra Canterra Seeds is poised to address these imperatives throughSeeds relies heavily on these partnerships for its robust portfolio diversification of its crop portfolio and investments in complemen- of seed varieties.tary varieties that champion sustainable farming practices. Derkatchs involvement in the wider agriculture community The specter of inflation and soaring input costs, which couldalso extends to the educational sphere: he sits on the board of impact seed prices, does not elude Derkatchs eye. He acknowl- Agriculture in the ClassroomManitoba. He enjoys teaching edges the necessity of providing farmers with invaluable genet- young people about seed as he knows many of those kids will end ics while maintaining competitive pricinga feat that calls forup working in agriculture themselves.a commitment to innovation and the expeditious introduction ofIts not enough to simply go through a slideshow of pictures; enhanced varieties into the market. kids require hands-on activities that engage their senses. Once they can see and touch something related to seeds, you can delve Regulation into discussing the significance of seeds in their daily lives, he He also has insight into the intricate labyrinth of regulatory chal- adds.lenges that consistently confront the seed industry.He enjoys asking questions like, Who enjoys McDonald's Debates revolving around the intricate art of balancing stake- french fries? holders demands with the need for sound policy have renderedWhen a hand is raised, Ill say Did you know that those french decision-making in the modern seed industry a tough job.fries are cooked using canola oil? You can really see that look Canterra Seeds has proven itself a trailblazer in the policyof interest on their faces. We need them to be interested in this realm, advocating for tools to inject new funding into plant breed- because those kids are the future, just like I once was growing up ing. The company is also committed to forging enduring partner- on the farm.NOVEMBER 2023GERMINATION.CA 41"