b'ing about LATAM. We are absolutely committed toin fact, our entire10 YEARS AGO, I KNEW LITTLE ABOUT operating model is designed aroundaAGRICULTURE. IM GRATEFUL TO THE SEED boots on the ground approach. We know that it takes informed and articulateINDUSTRY FORCHANGING THATlocal and regional voices to tell relevantBy: Marc Zienkiewiczand timely local and regional stories. What moving to a global platformI began my career in the world of newspapers. I wrote the odd weather-related farming story, allows us to add to that is greater abilitybut that was about it. Then I came on with Seed World Group. Fast-forward to today, and Im a to cross reference to the world, bringingdifferent person thanks to a decade in the seed industry. There have been many memorable in global perspective where it adds valuemoments along the way.to enhance understanding. Having aI felt like an outsider coming into this. One of my first interviews was with Erin Armstrong, the crossover of learnings from around thecurrent chair of Ag-West Bio, who at the time was with Canterra Seeds. I began a sentence globe allows companies, regions and thewith something like, Those of you who are part of the seed industry and she immediately larger industry to grow faster and grow better.corrected me. Ive led Seed World for nearly 20You are part of the seed industry, too, she said.years and am feeling a whole range ofIve never forgotten that. Though I was brand new to agriculture, all it would end up taking was emotions as we embark on these big changes. Excitement, certainly. Pride intime for me to learn more. The information and perspective I help provide through our magazine seeing our brand grow even more fullyas a result plays a pivotal role in decision making across the seed industry. into serving as the globally recognizedVisiting the United Kingdom, France and Germany to learn about European agriculture has been source for seed information and the hubone of the many highlights. Of course, Ive also travelled extensively here in North America. I of an ever larger and more inter-con- recall attending my first National Association of Plant Breeders meeting some years back at nected seed industry network.the University of Guelph. It was a real treat to see Canadian and American plant breeders come Ill admit that theres also a bitter- together, and to interview them and hear how much passion they have for this industry.sweet pang for some of the brands were moving away from. Germination hasBeing editor for this magazine means constantly adapting to the changing landscape of been a stalwart ship and a deep sourcejournalism. In todays digital age, the dissemination of information is faster and more accessible of pride for us. European Seed, too, hasthan ever before. Like in plant breeding and seed, embracing new technologies and innovative consistently delivered. Theres somestorytelling methods is not just a choice, but a necessity. sadness to be stepping away from names that have meant so much to us and toIts exciting to be a part of this transformation, where we can reach and engage with our the industry.audience in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Welcome to Seed World Canada!The good news, though, is that while the individual brands are dis-appearing, everything that makes them special and trusted will be frontwebsite will feature each of our otherour business development managers, is and centre under the new branding.regions content under their own regionalsecond-to-none across the industry and Germinations hard-hitting, critical, fortabs, making Seed World the one stopbeyond. It is their expertise, knowledge Canadians, by Canadians regional feelsource for all seed information. Evenand commitment that sets us apart. I also will remain. Our readers and partnersbetter, the new website will provide morefeel incredibly lucky to have the partners in the Canadian seed industry havein-depth multi-regional content, too. Weand colleagues that I do across this great been staunch supporters of our publica- cant wait to show you!industry. At Seed World Group, we are tion and our organization and are justIve already told you about feelinghonoured to play a supporting role in as as excited as we are to see us build Seedexcitement, pride and some bittersweet- incredibly passionate, forward-thinking, World Canada better than ever. ness. My very biggest feeling as weveand important an industry as the seed What can you expect to see forworked through this strategic processindustry. changes over the coming months? Theand now, as we embark on these changes,Thank you for trusting us with your cover of this magazine showcases ouris gratitude. I feel incredibly lucky to bestories, for depending on us for your brand-new look. As of December, wellpart of a powerful team that continuesinformation, and for partnering with us be rolling out an all-new global website.to drive us forward through content,across this industry. We feel the weight of The website will feature all the local,innovation and creativity, all with anthat responsibility, and we are commit-national, Canada-specific content youreeye on best meeting the complex, diverseted to delivering what you need today, used to, all conveniently findable underand changing needs of the seed industry.tomorrow and as we grow together into a Canada-specific tab. In addition, theThis team, from our editorial experts tothe seed industrys future. NOVEMBER 2023GERMINATION.CA 5'