5 www.seed.ab.ca | fall.2018 HECTOR OUELLETTE GREETINGS on behalf of the 67 farmer-owned cooperative seed and grain processing plants in Alberta/B.C. that comprise Alberta Seed Processors. It seems like it has been a long time since the weather has not dominated conversations in the Alberta crop sector, and 2018 continues to be no exception. However, whatever the climate throws your way, I do hope everyone is able to get through the crop year safely and with some degree of prosperity. This issue of the Alberta Seed Guide focuses on the value of innovation, which when we stop to actually think about it, touches most every corner of our farming operations. Several millenniums ago (427-347 BC), Greek philosopher Plato coined the phrase, “Necessity is the mother of all invention”; and I guess that holds true today. Innovation is all around us, from the seed we plant to the analysis of the end product of our crops; innovative solutions have resulted in higher productivity and prosperity for our farms. At times, we may wish that innovation would slow down, as innovation typically goes hand in hand with learning. Learning, in turn, requires change in how we do things or even the attitudes we hold. Let’s face it: change can be hard… as Red Green (not a Greek philosopher, but a Canadian comedian) says “... I can change, if I have to, I guess.” I think the consequences of not embracing innovation are far greater than embracing the growing pains of innovation. The world outside the cropping industry is rapidly developing innovative solutions to real or forecasted issues, and keeping up is a tactic to ensure we not only survive, but thrive. Part of the innovation equation is identifying a need or gap that innovation can fill. To that end, farmers need to stay connected not only to our own industry, but also to the ever-changing world around us. Accolades to you regardless if you opt to communicate through social media, or in more personal methods such as stepping up to serve on a board of a crop commissions or agriculture related organizations like the Alberta Seed Processors. Communication is a key link in the chain of innovation. Another opportunity to connect is by attending meetings that will be conducted this fall: most crop commissions have report meetings that are typically held on a regional basis, so all farmers have access to attend. Connecting outside of the agriculture industry is an often-overlooked communication channel. Being involved in some capacity in a sport, educational or recreational pursuit is an excellent way to connect with non-ag focused people. Often issues or opportunities in other industries dovetail into something in agriculture; but we will never know if we only stay in our traditional circles of influence. The Alberta Seed Guide has articles on how gene editing technology is creating opportunities in plant breeding to speed up the breeding process and building varieties that have genetic resistance to costly diseases like fusarium and blackleg, and interviews with a seed grower, seed plant manager, and plant breeder that also tell the stories of how innovation has enhanced the value of what each of these important links in the crop industry value chain bring to the farm gate. Thank you for staying connected to the seed industry by reading Alberta Seed Guide; and please do not hesitate to be part of the innovation equation by reaching out to us. The Alberta Seed Processors can be reached through the “contact us” button on www.seed.ab.ca: be sure to address your message to ‘Alberta Seed Processors’. Best wishes for a safe and successful wrap up of the harvest season. Hector Ouellette President Alberta Seed Processors