b'SEEDS CANADA / SEEDS-CANADA.CA / ATTEND OUR SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING AND HELP PRESS FOR PROGRESSARE YOU REGISTERED FOR OUR SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING?AS WE PREPAREfor for our Semi-Annual Meetingrespondents did not support recommendations that on Nov. 15 and 18, I think its important to high- would have helped to modernize the legislation for light the theme, Pressing for Progress. Weve beenthe sector. Its critical that the CFIA understands talking about it for a long time, but this year feelsthe implications of not just failing to modernize different. Its not just about discussing ideas; its aboutour framework, but also the ramifications of losing seeking feedback, acting, and addressing the realground compared to our competitors. concerns of our members. On the second day of this virtual meeting, well Were kicking things off on Nov. 15 with afocus on two key topics: engaging with the CFIA and major announcementthe Seeds Canada Awardthe progress of our Independent Standards-Setting By Lorne Hadley,of Excellence. This new award will recognize peopleBody (ISSB) concept. Were inviting the president of Seeds Canadawhove gone above and beyond in our industryCFIA to address our members, and we hope to gain Member Relationsand will set the stage for a day full of updates andinsight into their priorities moving forward. Director forward-thinking discussions. After that, well diveWell wrap up the second day of our meeting into the outcomes of our strategic planning session, awith the announcement of the recipient of the Plant key process for our board and leadership to align onBreeding & Genetics Award, which Seeds Canada the future direction of our organization. co-sponsors.One of the big changes well be discussingWell also have a speaker talk about encouraging involves rebranding and refocusing our Policy andinvestment in plant breeding. Weve been clear that Issues Committees. These have traditionally beenthis is an area where we need to do more.places for members to bring forward their concerns,Well also touch on our continuing education pro-but were transforming them into more dynamic,gram for seed analysts. Weve been thrilled with the member-led committees that will play an even biggerengagement so far, and by the time of this meeting, role in shaping the future of Seeds Canada. well be ready to share updates on the next phases of That first day will be about ensuring our membersthe program, including new training resources and an know where were going and how were respondingimproved user experience on the continuing educa-to their concerns. These arent just conversationstion portal.were having for the sake of having them. We want toFinally, Im really looking forward to the formal ensure that the work were doing reflects the priori- announcement of our 2025 annual conference, which ties of our members, and thats going to be front andwill be held in Quebec City. Its the first time in years centre during these discussions. that the seed industry will be meeting there, and its a One of the more uncertain areas that well befantastic opportunity to connect with both our larger addressing is the modernization of the Seeds Actmembers and smaller players in the Quebec market.(not the Seeds Regulations). Its a bit of a wild cardThis Semi-Annual Meeting is about advancing right now, especially given the uncertainty around aimportant files and issues that matter to our members. possible federal election, but we remain committedAfter all, were here to press for progress, and thats to providing our members with as much clarity asonly possible when were all on the same page.possible. This meeting is about ensuring our membersWere driving for member value, and Im proud have the information they need and the opportunityto be part of a team thats so committed and ready to to voice their concerns.meet the challenges ahead. This is especially important given the feedback the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) received during the second online consultation on Seed Regulatory Modernization, which was opened last spring. Despite the seed industry being a significantFor more info on our Semi-Annual Meeting and to get registered, visit regulated party under the Seeds Regulations, surveyseeds-canada.ca/en/events38SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA NOVEMBER 2024'