b'SPOTLIGHT ON AOSCA For over a century, the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) hasprograms track seeds from planting all the way to shipping and processing, been a driving force behind high-quality seeds and planting materials worldwide.ensuring that the crops identitywhether its a specialty variety or grown for a Founded in 1919, AOSCA works with seed certifying agencies across North America,unique purposestays intact. South America, and even as far as Australia and South Africa. Its goal? To make sureAOSCA also overseeds the National Variety Review Board (NVRB), which functions farmers have access to seeds that grown to the highest quality standards, are pure,as a kind of gatekeeper for new seed varieties. Plant breeders submit their latest reliable, and ready to perform in the field.innovationswhether its a new drought-resistant wheat or a hardier hempAt its core, AOSCA sets rigorous standards for seed qualitychecking everythingand NVRB reviews applications to ensure the variety is unique, uniform and stable. from genetic purity to germination rates to ensure seeds of high-quality varieties areThese boards, made up of breeders, seed organizations, industry experts, and available to meet the needs of growers. These benchmarks give farmers confidenceagencies like the USDA, help keep innovation in agriculture both trustworthy and that what theyre planting will yield strong, consistent crops without contaminantstransparent. like weed seeds.Through all these efforts, AOSCA plays a critical role in supporting farmers, AOSCAs member- agencies certify over 4.3 million acres worldwide, but theboosting crop production, and helping feed the world. By ensuring seed quality, traditional seed certification program is not the only program that is available forit gives farmers confidence in what they plantbecause as we in the seed value growers. AOSCAs member agencies work goes beyond traditional seed certification.chain all know: when you start with good seed, you set the stage for a great Its Quality Assurance (QA) programs offer a quality control system for seeds thatharvest. From the field to the future, AOSCA remains committed to advancing dont fall into the usual certification classes. Meanwhile, its Identity Preserved (IP)agriculture through collaboration, innovation, and integrity. Ive seen this firsthand at AOSCA. For over 100 years, AOSCA has played an integral role in ensuring seed quality through cer-tification, adapting to an ever-changing industry. While we have a legacy of navigating change, todays challenges demand evenThis is my call to action: Lead boldly,more. The seed sector needs leaders with the vision to anticipate the industrys needs five, 10, or 20 years into the futureand thethink creatively, and work collaboratively. resolve to build the systems and relationships that will help us get Dr. Sarah Wilbanksthere.Strategic Partnerships None of us know everything about our industry. Oftentimes we become niche specific. Defining your own strengths and weak- For example, when we launched the AOSCA Academy, our nesses will allow you to develop a team in which you can poolvision went beyond simply training new directors; we wanted resources and expertise. This allows for collaboration on topicsto prepare future leaders to tackle the unique challenges of this in which experts are at the table with diverse perspectives. Thesector. By equipping leaders with tools, knowledge and resources development of relationships built on trust, confidence, andthey need, were strengthening not only AOSCA but the entire integrity are the key to filling the seats you want to have at yourseed industry. We are doing something about the succession table. Having diverse expertise minimizes the teams risks aschallenge within our organization. well as bridges the gaps in our industry. This is an imperative part in organizational work as it is part of all seed organizationsA Call to Action missions to advance the sector as a whole. We have to workTodays seed industry needs leaders who are ready to step up and together to do this.drive change, even when its challenging. This is my call to action: Lead boldly, think creatively, and work collaboratively. Whether Taking Initiativeyoure part of a certification agency, a breeding program, a seed We all have the opportunity to sit around a board room andcompany or an advocacy group, your voice matters. talk about the things we need to fix. But, how to enact change?As we look to 2025 and beyond, lets ask the hard questions. How do we really do something about it? It comes down to theHow can we better connect with growers, companies and poli-actions we take. Like the old adage says, Actions speak loudercymakers? How can we position the seed sector as a solution to than words.As leaders, we have to help shape the conversa- global challenges like food security and climate change? tions with strategic priorities in mind. Defining what needs toTogether, we can cultivate relationships, foster innovation, and be done, the steps it takes to achieve it, and who is responsibleensure that every growerno matter their sizehas access to is imperative to facilitating growth. Its all of our responsibilitythe seeds they need to thrive.to put ourselves in roles, paid and unpaid, to fill the gaps as ourLets lead with purpose, plant seeds of change and grow a industry desperately needs.future that we can all be proud of. Are you ready? SWFEBRUARY 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /7'