The Kansas Crop Improvement Association board of directors recently approved a $1.5 million investment over the next five years to support research, promotion and market development efforts aimed at creating greater value and new opportunities for Kansas producers and the certified seed industry.

The commitment puts resources behind one of the key priorities identified through KCIA’s strategic planning process earlier this year and represents a focused approach to investing in emerging opportunities for members and the broader industry.

“KCIA’s investment is designed to support projects that strengthen demand, improve confidence and help Kansas producers remain competitive in an evolving marketplace,” said Shane Ohlde, board president. “Our goal is to be strategic about where KCIA can make a difference and invest in opportunities that create measurable value, not only for producers, but truly across the supply chain.”

The initiative aims to create tangible benefits for Kansas producers and the certified seed industry by focusing on market needs such as traceability, traits, quality, premiums and market innovation. It also is intended to broaden understanding of the role certification plays throughout the supply chain, from producers and genetic suppliers to grain handlers and end users.

“Certification has always been about quality, integrity and confidence in the seed system, but there is an opportunity to build on that foundation,” said Eric Fabrizius, KCIA executive director. “We want to connect certification, research and partnerships in ways that respond to what the market needs and ultimately create more opportunity and value for KCIA members and Kansas producers.”

KCIA intends for collaboration to be central to the effort. The association plans to continue working with Kansas State University, Kansas Wheat, producer and commodity organizations, genetic suppliers, grain handlers, end users and private sector stakeholders to identify opportunities that align with the board’s vision and strategy.

“We know KCIA doesn’t do this work in isolation,” Fabrizius said. “This commitment gives us the ability to come to the table with resources, but we also want to hear from people across the industry who see opportunities to work together and create value.”

KCIA will use the initiative to strengthen demand for certified seed, increase certified acres and contribute to a more competitive and economically valuable Kansas seed and grain supply chain. Organizations and industry partners interested in opportunities aligned with KCIA’s research, promotion and value creation strategy are encouraged to contact the KCIA office for proposal submission procedures and timelines.

About the KCIA

The Kansas Crop Improvement Association is Kansas’ official seed and plant-part certifying agency. In addition to seed certification services, KCIA offers networking and educational opportunities, auditing, facility and field inspection, and laboratory testing services for the seed industry and other crop production-related businesses. It is incorporated as a nonprofit organization.

The Manhattan, Kansas-based KCIA has an open membership of growers and seed dealers. Members elect 10 representatives to the 13-person board of directors. The board also includes one director appointed by the Kansas Seed Industry Association, the head of the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University and the director of the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service. The board governs the association and establishes policy for the membership. For more information or to become a member, visit kscrop.org.