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 Main subject - jan/feb 2008
continuation: Seed testing in the global seed industry
Supporting strategies
Focus and priority
No organization has enough resources to address all problems at the same time, much less a service laboratory that depends on fee-based revenue. This means resources such as budget, human, equipment, time and creative energy have to be invested in those goals with high beneficial impact for the lab and its customers. The constant prioritization of efforts has been critical to achieve goals despite financial, time and other constraints. Obviously, in today's world, there is no room for less productive use of resources.
Support from the community
A seed testing laboratory cannot work alone; rather, it should reach out and connect with the extended seed community. In our case, our extended community includes seed growers, cleaners, trade, users, associations, seed scientists, seed laboratories, certification services, seed control officials and beyond. Being part of a university with a major involvement in agricultural sciences, our extended community also includes scientists and educators in a wide range of scientific disciplines. The laboratory reaches out and networks with these broader communities to analyze problems identify solutions and achieve goals. When we reached out, most of the time, we can find help and support from the broader community. In doing so, we also discover that the true value of our contribution goes beyond the seed community because "without seeds…..life itself and the quality of life we have achieved could not be sustained!"
The experience at the OSU Seed Laboratory may seem unique. However, it sends a very important message about the need to change and innovate constantly. Obviously past success is no longer sufficient to face the new world. A laboratory, like any other modern service, has to innovate to remain relevant and valuable. Some ideas for change may come from outside; however, the true change is possible only when the laboratory is willing to listen and try new ways of solving problems. It is only when we try, that we discover new opportunities to serve our local and global communities.
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