A reflection by Melissa Brinn, Sales & Marketing Lead, 20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
Strength in Collaboration:
Reflections from the 2025 Interprovincial Seed Growers Meeting in Ottawa
Late November brought seed growers, industry leaders, researchers, and government partners together in Ottawa for the annual Interprovincial Seed Growers Meeting, a two-day forum dedicated to collaboration across provinces and strengthening Canada’s seed sector. Hosted at the Marriott Ottawa Hotel, the event showcased the critical importance of national dialogue, shared learning, and coordinated advocacy at a time when agriculture continues to face unprecedented change.
The meeting opened with remarks from leaders representing both industry and seed grower associations, including Tim Montague (Landray Farm, Ontario Seed Growers Association) and Phil Nadalin (Bayer). Their welcome set the tone for what became a recurring theme of the conference: the need for provinces, organizations, and companies to work together to maintain a resilient and trustworthy seed system across Canada.
Understanding Canada’s Evolving Political and Regulatory Landscape
One of the standout sessions came from Carla Ventin, Canada-U.S. trade consultant and CEO of Mile26 Strategy, who provided an insightful overview of the federal budget and the broader political climate. Her guidance on engaging with policymakers and navigating political discussions, especially in preparation for the evening parliamentary reception; the information was widely appreciated by attendees.
A Firsthand Look Inside Parliament
A memorable component of the event was the group’s visit to Parliament Hill for the Question Period. For many, watching political exchange unfold in real time shifted their perspective on how government functions and how policy direction is shaped. From energetic debate to the nuances of parliamentary etiquette, the session underscored why ongoing advocacy, and a unified industry voice are so important when policy changes impact growers, processors, and the broader seed value chain.
Back at the Marriott, attendees heard from several organizations driving innovation in the seed and agricultural technology landscape. Bill Rimmer of Seedtrakr shared insights into digital transformation in seed operations, data visibility, and system integration highlighting how technology continues to modernize the seed sector and improve traceability.
A significant moment of pride for everyone came when Doug Miller announced that the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) had been awarded the 2025 Organizational Governance Award by Governance Professionals of Canada, recognized alongside major national organizations such as CIBC, Purolator, and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. This achievement reflects the association’s continued commitment to modernization, transparency, and effective leadership within Canada’s seed certification system.
Evening receptions and discussion sessions gave attendees the chance to connect with seed growers from every region, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, and the Maritimes. Conversations ranged from crop performance and disease pressure to accreditation, certification, technology adoption, and the future of Canada’s seed system.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere: open, warm, curious, and united by a shared desire to strengthen Canada’s agricultural future.
Day two featured several compelling sessions, including:
- Farm Management & Succession Planning
Presented by Heather Watson, Farm Management Canada, this discussion highlighted shifting expectations between generations, emphasizing the need for communication, planning, and adaptability as family farms navigate succession.
- Research, Breeding Innovation & Policy
A panel featuring speakers from Josh Cowan, Director of Research & Innovation at Grain Farmers of Ontario, Jeff Reid, President, SeCan, and Lauren Benoit, Nuffield Scholar that has travelled the world learning about breeding regulations and ag policies in other countries, offered a deep dive into global breeding systems, varietal innovation, and the policies that influence access to genetics. This conversation emphasized Canada’s responsibility to remain competitive in germplasm development and to ensure its regulatory framework supports collaboration between breeders and the government, and innovation rather than hindering it.
- Crop Protection Stewardship
Presentations from CropLife Canada and Bayer CropScience centered on the future of critical crop protection tools such as dicamba for soybeans. With regulatory processes evolving and restrictions under review, the session highlighted just how important science-based decision-making and cross-industry advocacy remain for preserving grower access to essential tools.
- Provincial Updates & Sustainability
Provincial association presidents shared updates on new efficiencies and modernization efforts within their branches. A candid panel on sustainability, moderated by Marc Zienewics of SeedWorld Canada brought forward many interpretations of what sustainability looks like in practice.
A Truly National Conversation Rooted in Shared Goals
A recurring theme across sessions, panels, and informal conversations was the recognition that Canada’s seed system is stronger when provinces collaborate rather than work in isolation. The issues facing growers today like climate variability, regulatory shifts, new diseases, technology integration, and market access don’t stop at provincial borders.
Events like the Interprovincial Meeting create space to share regional insights and emerging challenges, strengthen relationships between growers, certifying bodies, policymakers and industry partners. It is here that we build common understanding around national priorities, and exchange ideas that lead to practical, on farm improvements to ensure that the seed sector remains resilient, innovative, and trusted.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Winnipeg Welcomes the Next Interprovincial Meeting
The 2026 Interprovincial Meeting will take place in Winnipeg on November 25–26, 2026, with an invitation to arrive early for the Manitoba Seed Growers Association “Diamonds and Denim” event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Next year’s gathering promises to continue the momentum bringing together provincial branches, national leadership, government representatives, and industry partners to strengthen Canada’s seed sector from coast to coast. If you’re able to attend, we highly recommend this exciting opportunity to network with leaders from a variety of sectors within the seed industry. You will not be disappointed.
Canada’s seed sector is at its strongest when science, stewardship, and shared purpose guide the path forward. At 20/20 Seed Labs, we believe deeply in the value of collaboration across provinces, across disciplines, and across the entire seed value chain. Events like the Interprovincial Meeting reaffirm why our work matters: because every grower, every field and every season depends on trusted diagnostics, transparent communication, and a commitment to supporting the health of Canadian agriculture.
We are proud to be part of a national community that continues to innovate, challenge and advocate for the future of seed in Canada, and we look forward to contributing alongside our grower partners, industry leaders, and provincial associations.
Learn more about the Canadian Seed Growers Association here: https://seedgrowers.ca/
