20 GERMINATION.CA SEPTEMBER 2018 THE COMMERCIAL SEED Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC) and the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI) are looking to join forces in an effort to not only reap the benefits of a formal partnership, but to show that the spirit of the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project really is the future of the seed sector. As part of the merger proposal presented to each group’s respective board, CSAAC would become a com- mittee within the CSI structure. The move, if it comes to fruition, “will be a first step forward in leveraging the benefits and efficiencies of join- ing two technical, service-oriented organizations,” says CSI executive director Roy van Wyk. “Historically, CSAAC has had a limited budget to deliver its man- date, which has always been a challenge for them. We’d always say, tongue in cheek, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice for us to join forces?’ But it was always just a thought, nothing concrete,” van Wyk says. CSAACAND CSIARE LOOKING TOMERGE This proposed marriage of two seed sector associations shows just why the Seed Synergy model of trust and collaboration is so effective. CSI executive director Roy van Wyk says a merger of CSI and CSAAC could benefit both groups.