As we prepare for for our Semi-Annual Meeting on Nov. 15 and 18, I think it’s important to highlight the theme, “Pressing for Progress.” We’ve been talking about it for a long time, but this year feels different. It’s not just about discussing ideas; it’s about seeking feedback, acting, and addressing the real concerns of our members.

We’re kicking things off on Nov. 15 with a major announcement — the Seeds Canada Award of Excellence. This new award will recognize people who’ve gone above and beyond in our industry and will set the stage for a day full of updates and forward-thinking discussions. After that, we’ll dive into the outcomes of our strategic planning session, a key process for our board and leadership to align on the future direction of our organization.

One of the big changes we’ll be discussing involves rebranding and refocusing our Policy and Issues Committees. These have traditionally been places for members to bring forward their concerns, but we’re transforming them into more dynamic, member-led committees that will play an even bigger role in shaping the future of Seeds Canada.

That first day will be about ensuring our members know where we’re going and how we’re responding to their concerns. These aren’t just conversations we’re having for the sake of having them. We want to ensure that the work we’re doing reflects the priorities of our members, and that’s going to be front and centre during these discussions.

One of the more uncertain areas that we’ll be addressing is the modernization of the Seeds Act (not the Seeds Regulations). It’s a bit of a wild card right now, especially given the uncertainty around a possible federal election, but we remain committed to providing our members with as much clarity as possible. This meeting is about ensuring our members have the information they need and the opportunity to voice their concerns. 

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 significant regulated party under the Seeds Regulations, survey respondents did not support recommendations that would have helped to modernize the legislation for the sector. It’s critical that the CFIA understands the implications of not just failing to modernize our framework, but also the ramifications of losing ground compared to our competitors. 

On the second day of this virtual meeting, we’ll focus on two key topics: engaging with the CFIA and the progress of our Independent Standards-Setting Body (ISSB) concept. We’re inviting the president of CFIA to address our members, and we hope to gain insight into their priorities moving forward. 

We’ll wrap up the second day of our meeting with the announcement of the recipient of the Plant Breeding & Genetics Award, which Seeds Canada co-sponsors.

We’ll also have a speaker talk about encouraging investment in plant breeding. We’ve been clear that this is an area where we need to do more.

We’ll also touch on our continuing education program for seed analysts. We’ve been thrilled with the engagement so far, and by the time of this meeting, we’ll be ready to share updates on the next phases of the program, including new training resources and an improved user experience on the continuing education portal.

Finally, I’m really looking forward to the formal announcement of our 2025 annual conference, which will be held in Quebec City. It’s the first time in years that the seed industry will be meeting there, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with both our larger members and smaller players in the Quebec market.

This Semi-Annual Meeting is about advancing important files and issues that matter to our members. After all, we’re here to press for progress, and that’s only possible when we’re all on the same page.

We’re driving for member value, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s so committed and ready to meet the challenges ahead. Register now!

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