Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
August 2, 2016
Brent Derkatch of Canterra Seeds in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has become the 65th President of the Canadian Seed Trade Association. He accepted the President’s gavel during the Association’s 93rd Annual Meeting in Vancouver on July 12th.
“It is truly an honour to be the 2016-2017 President of the Canadian Seed Trade Association,” said Brent Derkatch. “I’ve had the absolute privilege and good fortune of spending my whole life directly connected to Agriculture having grown up on a farm and then spending my entire career in the seed industry. Over the next year, I look forward to doing my part and to making a difference for the benefit of CSTA members and the international agricultural community.”
Brent will lead an active Board of Directors, focused on growing opportunities within the seed industry and serving members. CSTA welcomes new board members Bruce Harrison, CPS Canada; Bob Hart, Sevita International; and Brian Nadeau, Nadeau Seeds. Returning Board members include Dan Wright, Monsanto Canada,1st Vice-President; Todd Hyra, SeCan, 2nd Vice-President; Scott Horner, HyTech Production Ltd., Past-President; Doug Alderman, Pride Seeds; Georges Chaussé, La Coop Fédérée; Darrell Dziver, BrettYoung Seeds; Wayne Gale, Stokes Seeds Limited; Duane Johnson, Syngenta Canada; George Lammertsen, Bayer CropScience; Ellen Sparry, C & M Seeds; Marty Vermey, Dow Seeds; and Matt Hynes, American Seed Trade Association representative.
Many thanks are due to Scott Horner for his leadership during his term as CSTA’s 64th President. Scott led a planning process that developed CSTA’s strategic directions for the next few years. Additionally, Scott oversaw the launch of a Coexistence Plan for Alfalfa Hay for Western Canada, and took part in outreach activities with federal and provincial governments. Scott will continue to provide his expertise to the Association as Past-President. CSTA would also like to recognize Dave Baute, Jeff Bertholet and Kevin McCallum whose terms on the Board have concluded. Dave Baute contributed 10 years to the Board of Directors, including serving as President when Bill C-18, which brought UPOV 91 into effect, was passed. Additionally, Dave was the voice of CSTA while the Ontario government brought in its neonicotinoid regulations. Jeff Bertholet has been an active contributor at the Board table and has always been willing to lend a hand to committees, most recently as the Board Liaison to the Oilseeds, Pulses and Western Cereals Committee. Kevin McCallum has been an active participant in the Seed Association of the Americas including as a member of the SAA Biotech working group, as well as assisting the International Committee as Board Liaison.
“The Board of Directors has a lot to do over the next year on issues that matter to the industry,” concluded Brent. “I invite members to reach out at any time with feedback or to become more engaged in the association. I know we’re going to do great things, working together for all of our benefit as members of the CSTA.”
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