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June 11 , 2008
Historical Countdown to the 125th Anniversary Annual Convention (Part 5 of 5). As ASTA continues to prepare for its 125th Annual Convention next week, this final installment of the special Seed E-News series highlights the most recent chapter of our association's rich history. ASTA's first pictorial history book entitled, 125 Years of the American Seed Trade Association, will debut at the convention, within which the association's 125 years of history are segmented into five 25-year periods. To register for ASTA's 125th Anniversary Annual Convention, click here.
Part Five: Full Blossom 1983 - 2008
The Centennial Anniversary of ASTA was celebrated in San Francisco, California, at which the association could boast 55 standing committees, 20 liaison committees, seven divisions, and eight permanent staff. As ASTA headed into the 21st century, advances in science and technology reshaped the realms of plant breeding and seed marketing. The industry was forever changed with the advent of biotechnology in seed. ASTA appointed a Biotechnology Committee in 1985, which worked to unlock the "mysteries" of the budding scientific field for member companies with an educational program that discussed biotechnology's processes, applications, regulatory issues and the challenges to its widespread acceptance. As the world began in many ways, to feel smaller, international trade relations grew in importance. New laws affecting seed production and distribution were enacted as nations strove to find appropriate ways to manage and regulate innovations. ASTA participated at national and international levels, keeping its membership apprised of trade developments and providing educational opportunities, facilitating import and export of seeds and debating and establishing global policies and laws.
Registration Deadline Comes to a Close for the 125th Annual Convention Regular registration rates are now in effect until June 20 for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention, being held June 21-25, 2008, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. On June 21, registration fees increase by $50 per person (youth registration increases by $25). Be sure to register your final list of attendees by June 20 to save on your trip to Orlando! Celebrating ASTA's 125th anniversary, the schedule features in-depth discussions on biotechnology, intellectual property rights, stewardship, organic, state and regional affairs, member services and much, much more. The ASTA staff and member organizers expect this convention to offer the best return on investment for ASTA member companies of any in the history of the association. To register for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention, click here.
Speaker at ASTA's Upcoming Annual Convention in the News ASTA's keynote speaker for the 125th Annual Convention, noted author and environmental economist, Bjorn Lomborg, has recently been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal in light of recent media attention focused on the topic of global warming. Lomborg will make his presentation at ASTA's Opening General Session, sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., on Monday, June 23. The session will also include a dazzling audio visual production and theatrical tribute to ASTA's past, present and future, plus a performance by the Liberty Voices from the Magic Kingdom at Disney World and an historical video chronicling the association's 125-year history.
FuSE's First Educational Unit of 2008 is a Sold-Out Success
The strategic challenge that faces today's Agribusiness corporations of balancing the supply of food vs. fuel vs. feed was the hot topic during the Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Educational Unit hosted by Syngenta at their research facility in Stanton, Minn., on May 30. With 33 participants from around the U.S., the meeting provided a great opportunity for peers to learn from each other. A full agenda started with Syngenta's marketing presentation that highlights their overall commitment to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The tour of the Stanton research facility included entomology and pathogenic research units, the seed testing laboratory and seed treatment capabilities. This gave the group an appreciation for Syngenta's work aimed to be a positive influence in the sustainability challenges of the future. The afternoon focused on a case study prepared by Harvard Business School, entitled "Bunge: Food, Fuel and World Markets" which was presented and moderated by Dr. Mike Gunderson of the University of Florida. Discussion focused on the market climate for entering the energy industry and how to balance that with Bunge's core competencies of agribusiness, food and fertilizer. Participants "took home" with them a model and thought process for evaluating the potential (risk or success) of entering new markets, providing new products or services and understanding an organization's current status in the marketplace. "After attending my second FuSE Educational Unit, I spent a little time analyzing the overall experience. I realized that while the tour of the Syngenta facility was very good and the case study was a stimulating exercise, it was the networking with other members of the agricultural industry that was the highlight of the event. I have already run into and continued the relationships with some of the people I met at the FuSE event," said Doug Clouser, product placement specialist with Beck's Hybrids. This first Educational Unit of the FuSE summer line-up fulfilled the FuSE goal of networking, industry education and practical business principles. For more information on FuSE, please contact Jason Laney.
ASTA Wins Publication Award ASTA's registration brochure for the 47th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference won "Best in Print 2007" at the Printing Industries of Virginia Awards held in Williamsburg, Va., earlier this year. The brochure was designed by Karyn Baskette, a freelance graphic artist who was retained for recent ASTA convention and meeting designs, including those for the upcoming 125th Annual Convention in Orlando, being held next week.
Farm Bill Saga Continues The action on this bill has been slow, fast and paused. After six extensions, a clerical error and stand alone bills that were introduced, passed and passed again, ASTA can report that the job is done - sort of. Following veto override votes of 316-108 in the House and 82-13 in the Senate, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 was enacted into law on May 22, with the exception of the bill's trade title. Title 3 was inadvertently left out of the bill that went to the President (which he subsequently vetoed), which contained provisions for food aid to developing countries; farmer-to-farmer programs; export credit guarantees and other programs. Moreover, Title 3 also included key USDA cooperator programs ASTA is heavily committed and dependent on, specifically, the Market Access, Foreign Market Development and the Export Enhancement programs. These programs provide key funding opportunities for ASTA initiatives promoting market identification, development, enhancement, related intellectual property right protection and phytosanitary projects in ASTA member identified priority countries. The House and Senate quickly acted to pass by overwhelming margins a stand-alone bill that included the Title 3 programs. At this writing, the President waits for the farm bill that includes all 15 titles and a price tag of $290 billion. President Bush has indicated that he will once again veto the measure. Both the House and the Senate stand ready to override the veto. The 2008 farm bill includes many programs that affect the seed industry. Although the measure directs two-thirds of the funding to nutrition programs, the seed industry is directly impacted by the farm bill. As an example, ASTA is particularly interested in: USDA cooperator program funding; National Organic Program; Specialty Crops; Conservation/Stewardship; Energy; and Research. Unlike other agricultural groups and associations, ASTA is committed to production agriculture and to sound and effective stewardship. ASTA members provide the quality seed necessary to improve production and help maintain the American farmers' superiority, and when prudent, retire fragile and marginal lands. Further, ASTA understands the careful balance needed as all Americans unite to find ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil sources. While no program or area should be viewed as a panacea, cellulosic, ethanol, bio-based and alternative fuels will nevertheless play a significant role in our future energy discussions and policies. The seed industry remains mindful of its role as seed providers, committed to delivering to the market new varieties that will enhance performance, deliver results and new qualities, while doing so in an environmentally sensitive and respectful way.
USDA Authorizes CRP Haying Program Change USDA has authorized certain acreage enrolled under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to be available for hay and forage after the primary nesting season ends for grass-nesting birds. Sign-up for interested CRP participants began June 2, 2008, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. This modification for critical feed use is for 2008 only. All forage use must be completed no later than November 10, 2008. Under CRP, farmers and ranchers enroll eligible land in 10- to 15-year contracts with USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). FSA administers CRP on behalf of CCC. Participants plant appropriate cover such as grasses and trees in crop fields and along streams. These plantings help prevent soil and nutrients from running into regional waterways and affecting water quality. The long-term vegetative cover also improves wildlife habitat and soil quality. Additional details including Fact Sheets, maps and statistics are available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation. Members of ASTA's Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee were advised of this notice via email. Please contact ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill if you have any questions.
USDA Secretary Schafer Remarks on U.S. Strategy to Meet Growing Global Food Demand On June 3, USDA Secretary Ed Schafer appeared before those gathered at the High-Level Conference on World Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome. There, he offered three cornerstones to the U.S. strategy in addressing international food security. The actions include: providing food and other support to those currently suffering from hunger; direct development assistance to countries in the best position to rapidly increase the production of key food staples that can help feed the hungry; and encourage action to address multilateral and country-specific policies that prevent access to food and the technologies that produce food. "We must encourage investment in fertilizer and seed marketing, agricultural credit and improved post-harvest management to improve productivity," stated Schafer. "By embracing new technologies and basic infrastructure, we can also help make agriculture more resilient to climate variability and climate change, and improve farm economies." Schafer called on the countries of the world to work together to find solutions to significantly boost crop yields. He continued, "In some countries, this may mean adopting the most recent Green Revolution technologies, such as hybrid varieties. In countries with greater vulnerability to climatic or weather-related challenges, new biotechnology-based solutions are imperative to growing viable yields." For more information on the U.S. strategy, Secretary Shafer's remarks and the declaration made by the 180 countries represented at the conference, please visit this link on the USDA Web site.
ASTA Staff Meet with Oregon Department of Agriculture On June 5, Director of State Affairs Pat Miller and Director of Membership Services Jason Laney met with Katy Coba, the director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The meeting provided the opportunity to exchange updates on the Oregon seed industry specifically, and agriculture in general. Grass seed is the 2nd largest commodity crop produced in the state and is valued at $507.7 million. Currently, 501,340 acres are in seed production in Oregon. The state claims 99% of the ryegrass seed produced nationwide. It was a productive meeting and established a relationship for future interaction.
ASTA Staff Members Visit Oregon-Based Seed Companies
While in Oregon last week, ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller and Director of Membership Services Jason Laney visited a number of member companies throughout the Willamette Valley, just south of Portland. The Willamette Valley accounts for approximately 60% of the worldwide grass seed market. This unique region is home to dozens of grass seed companies all located within a few minutes of one another. The extensive tour by ASTA staff encompassed the entire grass seed production process including research plots; seed production farms; cleaning, processing, and bagging operations; and a seed testing lab. Companies hosting staff members were The Scotts Company, Pennington Seed, Grassland Oregon, Agri-Seed Testing, Turf Merchants, Inc., Barenbrug USA Inc., Smith Seed Services, Ampac Seed Company, as well as Oregon State University. ASTA would like to extend a special thanks to all of the member companies for their assistance in setting up the visit and especially to Nancy Aerni of Turf Merchants, Kris Mantey of Scotts, Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon and Karen Withers of Pennington. The visit provided the ASTA staff with an opportunity to gain a first hand understanding of how the grass seed industry operates enabling the association to continue to service these members to the best of its ability.
Oregon Seed Trade Association (OSTA) Holds its 39th Annual Convention On June 5-8, in Sunriver, Ore. OSTA members met, holding committee meetings and offering educational programs. Participants also enjoyed a Fun Run and golf tournament. Geoff Horning of the Agribusiness Council of Oregon profiled the organization's recent market research and agricultural promotion programs. Roger Beyer, former state legislator and newly appointed executive director of the Oregon Seed Council, expressed the necessity for legislative involvement and cooperation. ASTA Northwest Regional Vice President Kevin Turner of The Scotts Company and ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller presented an overview of ASTA activities and an update on state legislative activities. Jon Odenthal of Turf Care Supply Corporation was elected president of OSTA for the coming term.
ASTA Membership Attends 2008 World Seed Congress
The 2008 International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress was held in Prague, Czech Republic, May 26-29. ASTA staff, President and CEO Andy LaVigne, Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky, Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle and Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols attended the Congress along with many ASTA members and ISF committee representatives. Tim Johnson will continue as Chairman of the Breeders Committee and maintain a seat on the ISF Board of Directors. Diego Diz will be the new ASTA representative on the Breeders Committee. Mike Gumina and Harry Collins will represent ASTA on the Sustainable Agriculture Committee. Marc Cool is the new ASTA representative on the Intellectual Property Committee. Gordon Zielinski will continue as the representative to the Forage and Turf Section, and John Schoenecker will begin as representative to the Vegetable and Ornamental Section. During the Congress, ISF voting members decided to merge the Cereal and Pulse, the Industrial Crops and the Maize and Sorghum Sections into a Field Crops Division. ASTA will be represented on the new section by Bryan Gerard, Jerry Flint and Brian Barker. This Congress also marked the end of the transition period between the new ISF Secretary General Marcel Bruins and Bernard Le Buanec, who served in the position for the past 15 years. Le Buanec will maintain a presence with ISF as a consultant. "It is important that ASTA have strong representation at ISF," said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "We are pleased that we have many new representatives on the ISF sections and committees, and we look forward to a continued strong working relationship with Marcel Bruins at the helm of ISF." The 2009 World Seed Congress will be held in Antalya, Turkey. Does Your Company Sell Seed to Peru? If so, you may run into a new problem involving weed seed contaminants. ASTA just learned that Peru has begun requiring seed shipments to be free of all non-quarantine as well as quarantine weed seed contaminants (i.e. zero tolerance!). This was brought to ASTA's attention by a company trying to send alfalfa and ryegrass seed to Peru. The seed shipments, although accompanied by the proper import permits and phytosanitary certificates, are being inspected at the port of entry. If any weed seeds are found, the shipments must be treated, re-cleaned or destroyed, or if possible, re-exported. Unfortunately, more often than not, the cost of these measures is prohibitive for ASTA member companies. "There are several major problems going on," says Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade. "Not only is a zero tolerance for non-quarantine pests technically unjustified, but Peru never officially notified USDA of this new requirement. In addition, we do not yet know if this applies only to U.S. seed. If it does, then that's also discrimination." ASTA brought this problem to USDA's attention, prompting them to update the official export database (EXCERPT) with this new information. Achieving seed that is entirely free of common weed contaminants is all but impossible. Companies unaware of this stringent requirement could face tremendous losses if their shipments are rejected. ASTA is exploring all options to work with Peruvian officials to get this requirement lifted. Please contact Ric Dunkle for further information. Taiwanese Officials Learn About Management of Stacked Events Organized by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), a Taiwanese delegation to the U.S. at the end of May met with U.S. government agencies and life science companies regarding the management of stacked events. The group consisted of representatives from the Department of Agronomy and the Institute of Microbiology and Biochemistry at National Taiwan University, as well as the Food Industry and Research Development Institute. "The aim of this mission is for key Taiwanese leaders to become familiar with the management of stacked events in the United States so that authorities in Taiwan can complete a regulatory guideline which is favorable to the import of U.S. grains," said Clover Chang, USGC assistant director in Taiwan. Chang accompanied the delegation as members attended meetings in Washington D.C., Raleigh, N.C. and St. Louis, Mo. According to Chang, Taiwan's corn demand relies nearly 100 percent on imports. Of the 5 million metric tons of corn imported annually, 95 percent comes from the United States. "We cannot afford to let the biotech issue regarding stacked events disrupt the smooth flow of U.S. corn in the coming years," Chang said in explaining the importance of the mission. The team met with officials from various government agencies in Washington, D.C., including the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, among others. They also met with a representative Pioneer Hi-Bred International. While in Raleigh, they visited with representatives from Syngenta, which included a tour of the company, before traveling to St. Louis where they also saw Monsanto's research facility. Chang concluded, "Upon completion of the mission, team members will share their findings with other members of the Genetically Modified Foods Advisory Committee and the department of health in Taiwan."
Seedsman Dallmier Passes Away Eugene Joseph Dallmier, 88, of Arcola, Ill., died on June 2, 2008, at his residence. Born in Newton to Edwin William and Julia Victoria (Kerner) Dallmier, he married Juanita Hilgenberg in 1954. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Dallmier started his career in the seed corn business in 1937. Before WWII, he worked for Dallmier Seed in Newton with his father. After the war, he went to work for Crow's Hybrid Corn, of Milford. After working there for five years, he became a partner with Myron Whisnand in Whisnand Hybrids for 19 years. In 1970, he started Sturdy Grow Hybrids in Filson, and retired in 1987. Dallmier was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Arcola, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Seed Trade Association. He is survived by four brothers, Lorraine Vincent Dallmier and his wife, Lucille, of Willow Hill, George Andrew Dallmier and his wife, Hilda, of Ste. Marie, Richard Michael Dallmier and his wife, Glenda, of Olney, and Donald Joseph Dallmier and his wife, Shirley, of Arcola; two sisters, Madonna Schnieder, of Northbrook, and Marietta Glatz, of Kansas City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and an infant brother, Andrew Dallmier. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to his family.
Seed World Produces Special Series to Mark ASTA Anniversary In honor of ASTA's 125th Anniversary, Seed World has posted a special video series featuring seed executives' thoughts on and favorite memories of ASTA. The clips can be found on the Seed World Web site, hosted by SeedQuest at www.seedworld.com. They will also be featured in the June issue of the magazine.
AOSA and SCST Hold Annual Meeting Members of the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) held their annual meeting on June 6-11 in Minneapolis. Among the topics was the proposed merger between the two organizations. An ongoing dialogue, members were expected to take a straw vote to ascertain whether these discussions should continue. While ASTA has not taken a formal position on the merger, ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill, who attended the meeting, expressed concern over the scores of states that currently reference AOSA testing rules in their state seed laws. Moreover, ASTA would encourage the groups to thoroughly discuss the changing global implications and the growing challenges affecting international trade and phytosanitary concerns. ASTA believes that the future needs of the seed industry and the leadership provided by AOSA and SCST will require thoughtful and inclusive discussions, and a strategic vision will be required. Cahill also provided an ASTA activities update that focused on the farm bill, the upcoming ASTA Annual Convention and recent staff additions. She reiterated ASTA's appreciation and recognition of the important work the two organizations provide and the longstanding relationship that benefits the seed industry. ASTA's Seed Industry Relations Committee will meet at the Annual Convention in Orlando and will discuss the outcomes of the AOSA and SCST meeting.
Speaker to Address Genetic Resources at NCCPB Annual Meeting The National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders (NCCPB) will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 22 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in conjunction with ASTA's 125th Annual Convention in Orlando. Dr. Stephen Smith, research fellow and germplasm security coordinator for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., will present a talk on the latest discussions on null and reverse breeding. As transgenic crops further advance into worldwide farm acreage, questions must be asked, "What is the status of the critically important germplasm, of the genetic chassis, of these plants that deliver new and useful yet expensive and protected genetically engineered traits?" "Is such germplasm tied to the traits forever?" "Can the very important plant breeding process for non-transgenic cultivars be advanced from these new, elite trait-bearing lines?" Smith will bring an international perspective to his presentation helping to keep NCCPB members abreast of this controversy.
Ahern Seeds Promotes Piceño Ahern International Seeds announced the promotion of Engineer Raul Piceño to serve Ahern's growing customer base in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Piceño is tasked specifically with serving tomato, onion, pepper and watermelon growers in Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatan. "We are very pleased to announce Raul's new assignment in Tampico," said Kevin Ahern, president and CEO of Ahern International Seeds. "His extensive experience with tomatoes, onions, peppers and watermelons will serve the growers in Tamaulipas well. I know that our customers will be very pleased with Raul's knowledge and commitment to excellence." Piceño received his degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Chapingo in 1996.
Click here for a schedule of additional industry events
ASTA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact ASTA at (703) 837-8140.
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Grain Handler's Database • Seed Quality Management • CSS 2008 & Seed Expo • 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference • 125th Annual Convention |