Canada is facing a significant shortage of seed analysts, and it’s a problem that threatens the future of our industry. It’s complex issue that stems from multiple factors, but perhaps the most glaring is the lack of recognition and compensation for this highly skilled work.
The truth is, nobody’s paying enough for the level of expertise required. Seed analysis is incredibly demanding — it’s comparable to earning a degree, perhaps even more so. These professionals aren’t just checking seeds; they are assessing genetic purity, quality, and compliance, sometimes requiring accreditation that equals or surpasses a college degree. Yet, the wages often don’t reflect that level of skill.
I’ve spoken with bright, young people starting their careers, and the truth is, they’re working for minimum wage.
At our lab, I haven’t had trouble retaining staff — partly because of the environment we’ve created. The atmosphere here is good; I love training new people because I believe in the importance of the work. But it isn’t universal. Other labs often struggle with high turnover because it costs a lot to train people, only to see them leave for jobs that pay double in the oilfield or other sectors. When you see the wages that are offered in some of those industries, it’s no wonder seed analysis isn’t attractive to potential new blood.