b'MESSAGES | Alberta Seed GrowersDEAR READERS, I hope this issue of the Alberta Seed Guide is finding you finishing up a safe and successful harvest season.After a rough start to 2020, we are getting some good news now. By all accounts, it has been a timely harvest so hopefully that means you will all get a little extra time this fall to tackle what I am sure are long to-do lists. Our data to date also indicates we have had a productive seed crop, which should translate into a solid head start for all farmers next year.As you plan for your next crop year, do not hesitate to get in touch with your local seed growers, as they have records now from a generation or more of the newest crop varieties and can help you with your 2021 crop choices and seed supplies.As we move into the winter season, I wanted to provide you with some updates from the Alberta Seed Growers Association. In August, we closed the vote on the Seeds Canada ratification proposal and, as you probably already know, the proposal to amalgamate did not pass. While our board of directors had supported the amalgamation, there were some positive takeaways from this historic vote.First, it was great to see engagement amongst our members on this issue. I continue to be proud to work for people who take pride in their industry and put in time and effort in order to help see it thrive.@abseedgrower Second, our board sees this as an opportunity. In the weeks leading up to the vote,[email protected] heard concerns from many seed growers, and we appreciate the feedback. In the(403) 325-0081 coming months, we are going to focus on addressing all questions and concerns from our members. This is the time to have constructive discussions around where to go next, to best support the future success of our industry. We will still need to address the issue of seed regulatory modernizationwhich will be crucial for our industry going forwardand our board will work on a plan for this over coming months, with your input.Going forward, you may be wondering whats happening with the usual farm events over the winter months. FarmTech 2021, which we are on the planning committee for, has officially been cancelled due to COVID-19. We know many of you look forward to this event every year. From the valuable sessions to the social and networking opportunities, it is a highly anticipated date on the calendar. The FarmTech Foundation is looking forward to when we can safely reconvene. We are also in the process of determining how to proceed with our 2021 annual general meeting (AGM) event for next year. We usually hold it over two days in February, along with social events, but this year we are not sure yet what it will look like, due to COVID-19 restrictions. We will make a decision soon and will keep you posted. In the meantime, there are many ways to make your voice heard on this and other relevant issues. You can always reach out to one of our board members or visit our website at seedalberta.ca. In closing, thank you for your support of the Alberta Seed Guide, and best wishes for the winter season. Regards,Renee Hoyme,President, Alberta Seed Growers4seed.ab.ca'