Fall
2015
Grains
West
10
BY NATALIE NOBLE
THE
FARMGATE
GROWINGFORWARD
CSTAPRESIDENT SCOTTHORNER LOOKSAHEADTOAYEAR
OFOPPORTUNITY
THE CURRENT CANADIAN
agricultural environment is filled with op-
timism and a new perspective of increased
prosperity. However, Scott Horner,
2015/16 president of the Canadian Seed
Trade Association (CSTA), said there’s still
more to do.
“I think every president comes into
their term thinking their year is an impor-
tant one. I’m no different,” said Horner.
“My goal for this year is to create tangible
progress in improving the environment for
investment and innovation in our industry
so that significant value creation can
occur for all stakeholders.”
With the privatization of the Canadian
Wheat Board, improvements to Canada’s
crop variety registration system, and the
ratification and implementation of UPOV
91, the stage has been set to promote in-
vestment in research and the development
of new seed varieties, thus ensuring that
Canada stays internationally competitive.
No doubt Horner will be a major player in
continuing this momentum.
“Horner has a good understanding of
the many moving parts of the seed indus-
try,” said Peter Entz, the CSTA’s 2013/14
president. “His broad background of expe-
rience and his methodical way of thinking
put him in good stead for any challenges
that may arise.”
That background includes being born
and raised on a farm near Creelman, SK,
where Horner’s family raised Black Angus
cattle and grew mostly cereal crops. After
earning his bachelor of science in agricul-
ture from the University of Saskatchewan,
Horner went on to work with Zeneca
Seeds, which later went global as Advanta
Seeds.
Horner has appreciation for his time
with Advanta, where he got to know seed
growers and farmers from all corners of
Western Canada. “It was a great start
to my career as well as valued learning,
insight and experience with Canadian
agriculture. I developed a lot of great rela-
tionships [that] I still value today.”
In 2001, Horner came on as the third
employee at HyTech Production Ltd., near
Coaldale, and he is now part owner and
general manager. Horner has managed
the independent, contract seed-production
company to its present state, with opera-
tions in Chile, southern Alberta, British
Columbia and Washington. “I was look-
ing for new challenges and the chance to
play a greater role in a seed business. I saw
an opportunity to help build a seed-pro-
duction company that could become an
industry leader and service western Cana-
dian producers,” he explained.
Horner joined the CSTA’s board of
directors in 2008 and now represents
the association on the board of the Seed
Association of the Americas (SAA). He’s
also been chair of the SAA’s International
Committee and Hybrid Canola Seed Pro-
duction Subcommittee.
With all the forward motion in the seed
industry, Horner will lead the CSTA to
ensure that progress continues. As the
variety registration system is modernized,
many CSTA members will be actively
monitoring and commenting on the new
system to streamline the process and
encourage efficiency and innovation.
One of the most anticipated initiatives
this year has been the execution of UPOV
91. “There has already been recognition
of the new environment we’re operating
under now,” Horner pointed out. “The
Plant Breeders’ Rights Office announced a
20 per cent increase in the number of ap-
plications since UPOV 91 came into effect.
Breeders are seeing the benefits of having
their varieties protected under UPOV 91.”
Other groundbreaking developments
related to the implementation of UPOV 91
include Canterra Seeds’ joint venture with
Limagrain on July 2 and minister Gerry
Ritz’s July 8 announcement of collabora-
tion between Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada, Canterra Seeds and the Alberta
Wheat Commission. These initiatives high-
light the importance of public-private-
producer investment to Canada’s future.
Still, Horner looks forward to even
more industry success. “As an association,
we’re focused on ensuring a favourable en-
vironment, regulatory support and intel-
lectual property protection to encourage
investment, innovation and development.”
Scott Horner, CSTApresident, hopes to create progress in
innovation for the seed industry.
Photo:CSTA
