As one of the key figures guiding the transition of Western Crop Innovations (WCI) through its recent transition phase, Alberta Agriculture assistant deputy minister of primary agriculture John Conrad has been deeply involved in shaping this next phase as the organization rebrands and strikes out on its own.
“We’re coming to the end of what we’ve called our interim year of operations,” he shared during a recent conversation with Alberta Seed Guide editor Marc Zienkiewicz.
The transformation of WCI into a not-for-profit organization marks a significant milestone for Alberta’s agriculture sector. “It’s been a busy year,” Conrad said, reflecting on the shift. “We’ve transitioned new directors—talented Albertans with deep credibility in agriculture and variety breeding. Now, we’re polishing a new business plan that incorporates a different business model. It’s not radical, but it is new.”
This new model emphasizes collaboration, integrating public investment with industry and academic involvement. “The Government of Alberta wants to ensure public money is invested wisely, but they also see the value of engaging industry and academia in the process,” Conrad explained. This approach, he noted, allows WCI to build on the successes of the Field Crop Development Centre while exploring opportunities that had previously gone untapped.
Looking ahead, Conrad is optimistic. As WCI’s interim year ends this March, the organization is gearing up for its second year, with plans to expand its membership base. “Members are that important third ingredient—private industry investment into the corporation,” he emphasized. “Many potential members are watching to see how we’ve performed in year one, how the board has navigated this transitional phase, and whether provincial support will remain strong.”
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