Being asked to join the board of an organization like the Society of Official Seed Analysts is truly an honour. When I first got involved in this industry more than 30 years ago, I never imagined I’d have a role like this — especially one that bridges both government and commercial analysis and even involves an international component.
One of the roles I was asked to take on is the chair of the purity committee. That’s a big deal — purity standards are in every way crucial for trade. Germany, for example, has their own rules, and part of our work is harmonizing those rules to make sure trade can flow smoothly without hiccups. This committee is heavily involved in setting and reviewing standards, which means a lot of collaboration and careful consideration of trade implications. It’s an important committee — perhaps one of the most vital for me to be part of.
Honestly, I love this industry. I’ve always been passionate about seed analysis, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve gotten excited over all the details — testing standards, quality, everything that goes into producing good seed. When I think back to when I started, I realize I never really saw myself stepping into a role like this. But it’s an extension of my passion, and I see it as a chance to give back and help shape the future of the industry.
Getting nominated for the board was a surprise — I wasn’t expecting it at all. But I see it as a way to stay current, keep learning, and also involve my staff at Seed Check. The organization has a number of committees — covering germination, purity, vigour, statistics, native species — you name it. There’s so much opportunity to learn from these varied groups, and I want to bring that knowledge back to my team.
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