b'the population base, they really need the food [in those two markets], he adds. Despite the growing global opportunities for the Canadian seed sector, Wirsta cautions its not without risk. He says companies need to do their homework on who they are dealing with or risk being left high and dry when it comes time to be paid.Its just doing the right business checks to make sure youre going to get paid for your product at the end of the day. People sometimes dont look at the processing or shipping side of it and then they get caught with no payment, he says.As promising as these global opportunities may be, Carey says the Canadian seed sector cant afford to become complacent. Important InvestmentHe says seed companies and the federal government must continue to invest in research and development so that the doors to these global markets remain open. While private sector investment in R&D rose by $171 million between 2012 and 2017, nearly 89 per cent of that amount was invested in research on just three cropscorn, canola and soybeans.While thats great, we also know that we represent 50 crop kinds. That leaves 47 other crop kinds that are fighting over thatRon Wirsta is the general manager of St. Paul Seed Processors and Exports.other 11 per cent, he says.We have to make sure that Canada has an intellectual property environment that encourages companies to makeinvestments in pulses and peas and other crops. We need to have an environment that allows companies to make those investments.Of more immediate concern is the protectionist sentiment that is sweeping across many nations and prompting a number of retaliatory measures such as tariffs and other penalties. While seed hasnt been seriously impacted by tariffs, Carey says other non-tariff trade barriers are a concern to the industry.Seed Available for 2020 Tariffs are certainly a concern, but more on the grain side and the commodity side. But we are subject to a lot of non-tariff AAC Brandon HRSW* Prograin Soybeans trade barriers, whether its countries looking at crop protection CDC Austenson Barley*I.P. Contracts now available for productsor phytosanitary conditions, he adds.CDC Glas Flax* non-GMO Soybeans!Jim Timlick Premiums up to $2.50 / bu. with fullAAC Delight Beardless delivery contacts available for 2020Spring Triticale*Licensed to sell and apply EcoTeaBobcat Fall Triticale* biological products: Seed Dressing Thunder Seed CornSoil HDI Foliar HDI Stubble Buster residue digester *Denotes Nutrient Densified Seed ProductionAttention Cattle Producers! We specialize in custom-blending your cover crops and grazing blends to your specification- call us for a quote. Free on-farm storage of your seed until you are ready for it in spring. Licensed to treat seed protectants, humates, and micronutrients on your seed at time of pickup.PLANT NUTRITIONPatrick FabianW: fabianseedfarms.comE: [email protected]: 403-633-9999Planting the Seeds of Success www.muellerseeds.ca16seed.ab.ca'