Seed E-News

June 27 , 2008

Welcome to the electronic newsletter of the American Seed Trade Association(ASTA) for members, allies and stakeholders. Please feel free to forward the Seed E-News to others you believe might wish to receive news about the seed industry. Questions, comments and your industry news are welcome — contact Gretchen Flanley at ASTA. Past issues can be viewed here .

In This Issue ASTA Celebrates 125 Years ASTA Names New Officers Resolutions of the Board New Foundation and Endowment Kicked Off Dynamic General Sessions Fuel Discussion Division and Committee Developments Photo Gallery Meetings & Opportunities

ASTA Celebrates 125 Years

As the founding fathers of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) did in 1883, 125 years ago, ASTA members gathered together to mark this monumental occasion and celebrate the seed industry's continued commitment to agriculture and innovation. The 125th Annual Convention of ASTA was held June 21-25 in Orlando, Fla., with a program of events that reflected on the association's long history and demonstrated the promise the seed industry holds for the future. "As members of the seed industry, we are committed to meet the demands placed on farmers throughout the world by developing seeds that produce higher yielding commodities, hardier fruit and vegetable varieties, new flower colors and more resilient turf," said ASTA Chairman Mike Peterson of Peterson Genetics, Inc. "Agriculture advanced through the Green Revolution, and as a part of the global marketplace, we are now busy shaping the next agricultural revolution. The seed industry will play a key role in that revolution." This year's Annual Convention provided an opportunity to look at the many accomplishments of the seed industry and to prepare for the future of agriculture. From theatric portrayals of the seedsmen of yesterday to a glimpse into what we can only imagine for the seed industry of tomorrow, the convention was the culmination of a year's celebration of this historic anniversary. ASTA members were able to share a pride in the accomplishments they have been responsible for, far beyond what the founding fathers of the association could have ever imagined 125 years ago. "Speaking on behalf of the seed industry, we look forward to many more years of working together to create an environment that fosters innovation to bring the highest quality seed to market and to meet the needs of consumers around the world," said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "It is an honor to be part of an association that continually strives to build an industry that is a foundation in agricultural production. ASTA's motto says it all, 'first-the seed.'"

ASTA Names New Officers and Members to the Board of Directors

An evening of celebration at the Gala Banquet included the installation of the 2008-2009 ASTA Officers to the Board of Directors. The new officers are as follows:

Kelly Keithly Keithly-Williams Seeds Chairman of the Board	Jerry Monk Warner Seeds, Inc. First Vice Chairman	John Nelson RiceTec, Inc. Second Vice Chairman
Risa DeMasi, Grassland Oregon, Regional Vice President, Northwestern Region Terry Dulaney, AgVenture & Dulaney Seeds, Regional Vice President, Southeastern Region Craig Newman, AgReliant Genetics, Regional Vice President, Central Region Wayne Unger, Brett Young Seeds, Ltd., Vice President from Canada

Resolutions Approved By the Board of Directors

The following resolutions were fully discussed at relevant ASTA Division and Committee meetings during the 125th Annual Convention. A final review and discussion was held at the Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee, the last meeting of the convention. Two resolutions passed by the Board of Directors include:

• A request by the Corn and Sorghum Division for $15,000 to be funded in the 2008 budget to complete the remaining portion of the International Seed Federation's (ISF) Essential Derivation Maize study.
  
• A proposed white paper initiated by the Food Safety Pathogen Ad Hoc Working Group entitled "Statement on Field and Greenhouse Planted Seeds and Human Pathogens," which was developed through consultation and review with appropriate ASTA Divisions and Committees, including the Vegetable Tech, Phytosanitary and Seed Industry Relations Committees and the Vegetable and Flower Division. This document lays out the current position of ASTA and its members that testing seed for human pathogens is not necessary, use of current stewardship practices results in the safest seed possible, and relevant and collaborative research should be supported.

Foundation and Endowment Kicked Off at Annual Convention

Seed Industry Announces New Foundation to Support Education

On June 23, ASTA announced the formation of the First the Seed Foundation, officially launched at the 125th Annual Convention of the association. The seed industry established the foundation to provide education and outreach about today's vibrant seed industry and its promise for the future. The food, fiber, feed and fuel demands of an ever increasing population make it more important than ever to educate the general public about the story of agriculture and the role of seed, as well as attract the best and brightest minds to agricultural fields of study. Bud Hughes of Verdant Partners has been named president of the Board for the foundation. "The mission of the First the Seed Foundation is to conduct education, outreach and communication on the value of crops and food produced from seed," said President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "We, as the seed industry, have a great story to tell about our contributions to American agriculture, and ultimately, to the lives of people around the world. The foundation will provide a platform to educate today's world and tomorrow's work force about the importance of the seed industry." The highest priority of the First the Seed Foundation is the education of today's youth. Efforts of the foundation will begin with outreach about seed to grade schools through multimedia and web-based curriculum to be used in classrooms, development of an introductory video on the seed industry's role in American agriculture, the distribution of seed and informational kits to schools and youth organizations and the promotion of the value of quality seed and the impacts of the seed industry on every person's life who eats food or uses agricultural products. Contributions can be made to the First the Seed Foundation by contacting Ann Jorss at the ASTA office.

First Roger Krueger Scholarship Awarded

The first scholarship of the Roger Krueger Scholarship Endowment was awarded to Jose Luis Rotundo at ASTA's 125th Annual Convention on June 24. A Doctoral candidate at Iowa State University, he is pursuing a degree in crop production and physiology. The Roger Krueger Scholarship Endowment has been established by the American Seed Research Foundation (ASRF) to honor and remember Dr. Roger Krueger, from Monsanto Company, whose professional career was devoted to seeds. He passionately advocated the role of science in feeding the world and lived to make the world a better place and to make agriculture more able to feed the world. Seeds are small things, but as Roger's colleagues, friends and family all testify, this seed we knew as Roger Krueger was a small thing done with great love. The interest from the permanent endowment will be used as scholarships for students in agriculture - the future of the seed industry. What better way to recognize Roger's life, his work and his willingness to teach and mentor than by supporting the future of seeds? To help honor Roger Krueger, please consider a gift to this endowment fund which will assist generations of students engaged in seed research. The donation is tax deductible, and the entire contribution to the Roger Krueger Scholarship Endowment will be used for scholarships. Checks should be made payable to the American Seed Research Foundation and mailed to 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 650, Alexandria, VA 22306. For more information, please contact ASRF Secretary/Treasurer Ann Jorss through email or by phone at (888) 890-7333.

Dynamic General Sessions Fuel Discussion

The Opening General Session of ASTA's 125th Annual Convention captivated audiences from the start - a magical animation of the growth of the American Seed Trade Association over its history of 125 years. Following an inspiring rendition of national

anthem by Liberty Voices, attendees were treated to a theatrical "Journey of ASTA" and the creative "State of the Association: In Conversation." ASTA founding father Joseph Bolgiano, portrayed by his descendant Daniel Bolgiano, conveyed the hopes and dreams of the seedsmen of 1883 when ASTA was formed. The ASTA chairman of 2133 was beamed down from space to the audience providing a glimpse of the future challenges and opportunities of the seed industry. ASTA Chairman Mike Peterson and President and CEO Andy LaVigne brought some comic relief as they jointly delivered the State of the Association. "We as the "army" of the American seed industry need to stand ready to meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow," remarked Peterson. "Just like the seed developed and refined through advances of technology and infrastructure to provide a steady and dependable food source, the seed industry must also be cared for and cultivated." LaVigne added, "ASTA, representing this industry, is now in a position to raise the bar higher...and to lead its members in reaffirming their commitment to agriculture and the innovation in seed needed to sustain the world's people."

Noted author and environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg provided the Keynote Address at the Opening General Session offering a look ahead at the environment of the future. Presenting his economic analysis on the issues of global warming and the environment, he outlined an

approach to offer real solutions for the future challenges facing the world. Lomborg told attendees to be "rational, not fashionable" in their approach, and to make a better world, the right problems must be identified and focused on, the benefits and the costs must be analyzedand smart polices must be developed.

A panel discussion, "The State of Agribusiness," offered ASTA members various perspectives of five industry leaders. The panel included the moderator, Greg Duerksen, Kincannon & Reed; Davis Anderson, GROWMARK, Inc.; Andrew Carlton, Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc.; Don Orr, JBS United, Inc. and Stuart Woolf, Woolf Enterprises. Presenting their thoughts on both the inputs and outputs of agriculture today and the future of the industry, the panel fielded many questions which helped members gain insight into these experts take on trends during this dynamic time in agriculture.

Division and Committee Developments

The ASTA Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices was unveiled at various committee meetings. The Guide, developed by the Stewardship Committee, is intended to serve as a reference document for companies developing individual quality management practices and operating procedures for seed from the point of incorporation of a trait into a breeding program through commercial seed production and sale. The Guide will be maintained in a dynamic and interactive format on the ASTA Web site. Look for further announcements when the Guide is made available on-line in July.

The Stewardship Committee received a briefing on the Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS) developed by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Edward Jhee, who serves as the program's manager, gave an overview about the various aspects of the system and how it may impact the seed industry. Jhee congratulated ASTA on the proactive development of the Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices which serves as a reference to companies developing their own procedures which could then fit into BQMS. For more information on this program, please contact Bernice Slutsky, ASTA vice president for science and international affairs.

The Organic Committee will initiate a sub-committee to provide guidance to the National Organic Standars Board (NOSB) on commercial availability of seed and harmonize definitions for seed inputs. In order to offer its best recommendations to NOSB, ASTA, lead by Marc Cool of Seeds of Change, will organize a meeting of industry, producers and certifiers to see how best to identify what organic farmers are planting and what organic seed is currently available.

At the Phytosanitary Committee, Dr Javier Trujillo, the National Plant Protection officer of Mexico, gave an overview of Mexico's regulations on seed movement, including recent changes. In addition, he indicated that Mexico has initiated efforts to deregulate sorghum ergot; however, it may be until the end of the year to get this accomplished. Director of Phytosanitary Issues Management Craig Fedchock of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service gave an update on country issues. Due to other factors, little progress has been made with Brazil and Australia in particular. He also reported that the revised National Seed Health System Web site should go on-line the first week in July. Re-export of seed was discussed in detail, in particular the status of the development of an international standard under the International Plant Protection Convention. Plans for a regional phytosanitary workshop in Brasilia, Brazil, were discussed, including ASTA's goal to utilize this workshop to inventory the phytosanitary regulations and programs of the participating countries.

Mexico has been added as a new priority to the Country Working Groups and will focus on phytosanitary issues. Country Working Groups have already been formed for Argentina, Brazil, China and India. These groups provide an interactive forum for ASTA members, staff and regional contacts to discuss issues and strategize to identify program goals and implement activities specific to each of ASTA's priority markets. Representatives are needed for the Mexico Country Working Group. If interested in participating or would like further information on the various working groups, please contact Lisa Nichols, ASTA director of international programs.

State and Regional Seed Association Executives met for a half-day workshop, the third to be held. The session allowed ASTA to assist in strategically planning and positioning the seed industry to address challenges at the local, state and national levels. Three regional and 18 state associations were represented. Utilizing a "train the trainer approach," the workshop has a multiplier effect because it is adaptable and can be used by states directly with their organizations' members. As part of ASTA's strategic plan, the association recognizes the value and resources of state and regional seed associations. There is a great need and benefit to communicate, coordinate and work together, as each organization has unique strengths and resources available to them. ASTA has committed to a lead role in enhancing this synergy. The program reflected the interests, concerns and priorities of a very diverse seed industry. A critical component was to garner the perspective, input and participation of each of the represented associations. This synergy will help ensure that the seed industry is well-positioned and remains an effective advocate for all our members. The overwhelming consensus of the group was to continue with this type of programming. The next meeting of the group will be held during ASTA's Annual Convention in Scottsdale in June 2009.

The Ad Hoc Food Safety Pathogen Working Group finalized the draft ASTA white paper on testing of vegetable seed for human pathogens, incorporating comments and suggestions from the Veg Tech, Phytosanitary, and Seed Industry Relations Committees and the Vegetable and Flower Division. This document was later approved by the ASTA Board of Directors with minor modifications.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service briefed the Seed Industry Relations Committee on the plan to implement a user fee increase for the issuance of OECD certificates. Beginning October 1, companies that need OECD certificates will have to pay an average of an additional three cents per hundred weight of seed.

The Biotechnology Committee received updates by U.S. government representatives on regulatory development, including Michael Gregoire, with the Biotechnology Regulatory Service of USDA's Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS/BRS) and Steve Howie of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Beverly Simmons, also with APHIS/BRS, provided an update on the Seed Low Level Presence Project. The forum was an opportunity for ASTA members to access these representatives directly to learn about the most recent changes to regulations and to ask questions on how these changes may impact their companies. For more specific information on these regulations, please contact Bernice Slutsky, ASTA vice president for science and international affairs.

The Communications Committee held its inaugural meeting during the Annual Convention. Attendees received an update on new developments underway to improve ASTA communications both with its members and publics, such as the agricultural value chain, legislators, regulators, consumers and the media. The group talked about some of the challenges of communication and brainstormed about some new ideas. The formation of a steering committee which would represent the diverse membership interests and have direct interaction with the Board of Directors was recommended because of the strategic importance of communication both inside and outside of ASTA. Any members wishing to be considered for the steering committee should contact Gretchen Flanley, vice president of communications.

Local, state and federal legislative updates were given by ASTA staff members, Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill and Director of State Affairs Pat Miller to the Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee. Miller provided insight into some of the reasoning behind the developments at the local level. Cahill also reported on the current status of the Farm Bill. Look for future reports on the Farm Bill and its impact on the seed industry in ASTA's Seed E-News.

Students pursing degrees of importance to the seed industry were able to network with ASTA member companies through two programs that supported their attendance to the ASTA Annual Convention. Campus Connections, a program through the Future Seed Executives (FuSE), hosted eight undergraduate students from various universities, while Operation Student Connection, funded by the American Seed Research Foundation, hosted five graduate level students. Each of the students is within one year of completing their respective degrees and was matched with an ASTA member to serve as a mentor. The students found the opportunity to learn about the seed industry beneficial, and the networking it afforded both member companies and students was valuable as these future seedsmen enter the workforce.

A joint meeting was held by the Intellectual Property and International Committees to address the importance of intellectual property rights to the seed industry in the United States as well as internationally. The session provided updates on the developments in various international and governmental forums, such as International Seed Federation, the International Union for the Protection of Plant Varieties (UPOV), the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO), and the Plant Variety Protection Advisory Board. A specific briefing on China was provided by Mark Petry with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service in Beijing. Kitisri Sukhapinda attended on behalf of USPTO.

Featured speakers provided a glimpse into the role of seed in various aspects of agriculture and conservation. At the Lawn Seed Division meeting, Manager of Golf Course Maintenance Operations Gary Myers, with Walt Disney World Resort, presented his perspective on the trends in the turf industry and golf course management. Read Smith, co-chairman of the 25x'25 Renewable Energy Initiative, spoke at a joint meeting of the Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Divisions. This alliance of agriculture, forestry and environmental leaders promotes the contribution to U.S. energy independence through renewable energy solutions from the Nation's farms, ranches and forests. Jerry Hatfield, director for the USDA's National Soil Tilth Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, updated members of the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee on farming practices and environmental quality programs.

Photo Gallery

Look for further announcements on photos from ASTA's 125th Annual Convention to relive the many memories made with friends and esteemed colleagues of the seed industry.

Click here for a schedule of additional industry events

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