By Fawad Shah, President/CEO
MCIA Adding Value in a Value-Added World
Every company wants to be more visible, especially within its industry, in order to be competitive in a market that is always changing, to inform customers about its goods and services, and to maintain or grow its market share. A firm depends on several methods of communication, including print, electronic, and social media, to attract clients and increase sales. The non-profit Minnesota Crop Improvement Association works hard to stay in the minds and eyes of both its present and future clients. MCIA is dedicated to giving its customers high-caliber services and outstanding customer support.
MCIA met the milestone of increasing its visibility in many ways during 2023. First, MCIA successfully hosted the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bloomington, Minnesota. MCIA was honored with AOSCA’s first ‘Excellence in Innovation’ award. This is testament to MCIA’s diverse array of services of seed certification, third-party inspection and audit services, and its Capacity Building Initiative to educate and train seed professionals in other nations. Through the University of Minnesota’s Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, MCIA is the only seed certification agency that offers formal in-class instruction for undergraduate students. In addition, AOSCA recognized MCIA Administrative and Certification Manager Jody Prudhomme with an award for 25 years of service for her contributions to seed certification. Finally, yet importantly, AOSCA recognized MCIA Foundation Seed Services Manager Roger Wippler with an honorary membership. Recognition at an international forum like AOSCA’s meeting is clearly an achievement for MCIA.
The October 2023 edition of Seed World, a prestigious seed industry magazine offering seed related content for over 100 years, published an article about MCIA’s receipt of the AOSCA award. In a follow-up article published in the Seed World, I explain how international outreach and capacity building efforts benefit MCIA as the seed market globalizes. I also talk about how service diversification can improve the financial stability of state seed certification agencies, as demand for their traditional services is on the decline. MCIA strives for and leads the way in its capacity building and diversification of services such as Identity Preserved (IP) third-party inspection and audit programs. Seed certifying agencies have an important role to play in showcasing the integrity of products verified through IP programs. Through our print and on-line publications, social media, and by invited speaking assignments, MCIA continues to engage with the agricultural community and increase our visibility.
As we do each year, MCIA is putting together an informative program for its annual meeting. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Holiday Inn & Suites, in St. Cloud. Topics include a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for young seed producers, Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s involvement in cannabis seed labeling and sale, and ways to achieve success in the seed industry in a challenging and changing seed world. This annual event is an opportunity to recognize individuals in our industry in the way of awards for Honorary Premier Seed Grower and Premier Seed Grower, and the Achievement in Crop Improvement Award. Plan to attend this important event; learn and network with others from the seed and agricultural industry.