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September 3, 2008
Research Opportunities for Seed Industry are Abundant in New Farm Policy In this fourth article in a series on the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, ASTA explores the impact of the research title and its opportunities for the seed industry. Agricultural research can lead to outcomes that boost farm productivity, address plant and animal disease and provide discoveries that expand the use of agricultural products. Research has always been a key component in U.S. farm policy; however, the emphasis on expanding uses and providing benefits for producers and consumers alike has never been more apparent. There are a number of key provisions included in the research title of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 that directly affect ASTA members. Most USDA research falls under one of four agencies:
This research title establishes the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) which will have three goals. First, NIFA will aim to maximize efficiency and coordination throughout USDA's research agencies. Also, NIFA will be tasked to reorganize the USDA office dedicated to fundamental and applied research, extension and education programs. Thirdly, NIFA will create six offices to develop programs, establish priorities and coordinate and track activities related to agricultural research. Four offices will be of significant interest to ASTA members: Renewable Energy, Natural Resources and Environment; Food Safety, Nutrition and Health; Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; and Agriculture Systems and Technologies. The remaining two will focus on animal health and production and rural communities. Moreover, NIFA will seek to improve the visibility of competitive research grants and raise the general profile of agricultural research. Most importantly, though, the intent of NIFA is to establish a new agency that shares a comparable stature patterned after the National Institute of Health. The overall mission of NIFA aligns with ASTA's commitment to research, as witnessed by the American Seed Research Foundation and National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders, as well as the committees addressing corn, soybean and vegetable research. To further address the growing needs of agricultural research, especially in light of dwindling resources and competing needs, a new program called the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) will stimulate entrepreneurship, support business development and expand access to capital. Universities and extension stations will compete for grants to address priorities in U.S. agriculture in the following areas:
As the seed industry and agriculture in general continue to follow the discussions, policies and market forces affecting renewable fuels, feed stocks and energy efficiency, a new Energy Research Program is being launched. The program will improve research on the production and sustainability of biofuels and their feed stocks, which will provide new opportunities and structure for the seed industry and agriculture. Awards for projects focusing on biomass crop research and bioenergy production will be available. For organic production, the title provides $78 million for research and $230 million for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 provides a vibrant array of opportunities, financial support and programs aimed at promoting and enhancing research. For the seed industry, this is welcome news and will most certainly complement the ongoing and considerable commitment by ASTA members to bring continued innovation to agriculture through seed technologies. For more information, the research title can be viewed through H.R. 2419 at: http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/Legislation/110/FB/Conf/CRlang.pdf. ASTA Seed Expo Reinvented! The largest seed industry trade show in the country, ASTA's Seed Expo 2008, has been reinvented to feature services and suppliers across all seed types. Seed industry professionals will have access to a wide range of exhibitors offering the latest in new equipment, products and services to improve your business. Held Dec. 9-11 in Chicago in conjunction with ASTA's Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conferences, Seed Expo 2008 is a venue of importance to all aspects of seed production. New promotions are available for Seed Expo 2008, so mark your calendars now! First-time attendees, those who have not been in the past five years, and seed industry professionals with direct responsibility for seed production and/or operations within their company are eligible for a free day pass. Day passes for the general public (both members and non-members) will be offered at $50.Exhibitors are encouraged to fully utilize their access to unlimited day passes for their customers. Additional information will be provided as September registration becomes available or visit ASTA's Web site. To exhibit at the Seed Expo 2008, please click here for further information or contact Hiranthie Stanford. First ASTA Production Workshop Added to CSS 2008: Topic Ideas Needed! ASTA plans to add a new "Production Workshop" to this year's schedule for the Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conferences (CSS 2008), being held Dec. 9-12 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The two-day program will offer sessions helpful to those in production and operational roles at seed companies. Topics may also address business management practices intended to assist small companies in today's trying marketplace. As the specific topics of the workshop agenda are finalized, ASTA is seeking input from the seed industry, members and non-members alike, on the issues most relevant to their business. To submit a topic, contact Jennifer Lord at jlord@amseed.org by Sept. 30. The Production Workshop goes hand in hand with a host of new changes in the registration access to Seed Expo 2008, held in conjunction with CSS 2008, which include free access to the trade show floor for those who have not attended in the past five years, complimentary day passes for those in plant, production or operational positions, unlimited exhibitor distribution of complimentary day passes to their target customers and a reduced price of $50 for general day passes regardless of ASTA membership status. Registration Open for the ASTA Farm & Lawn Seed Conference. Registration is now open for ASTA's 2008 Farm Seed & Lawn Seed Conference, held again in conjunction with the Western Seed Association's (WSA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 1-4, at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. Completed registrations should be returned to WSA by fax at (309) 664-0607. The ASTA program will begin on Sunday, Nov. 2, with meetings of the ASTA Invasive Species Working Group and the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee. The agenda of the Invasive Species Working Group will include a state activities update, a report on ASTA's appointment to the Invasive Species Advisory Council, a briefing on the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, in particular inclusions affecting invasive species, and an open discussion. The Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee is pleased to present Paul Harte, agricultural economist for the Conservation and Environmental Programs Division (CEPD) of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), who will speak on the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. The committee will also discuss implementation of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, a summary of the ASTA workshop held in 2008 while planning for the 2009 workshop program which will include visits to Congress and U.S. government representatives. Participants will have a general discussion on new member opportunities and a white paper on energy and conservation. The Farm Seed and Lawn Seed Divisions will meet on Monday, Nov. 3, with more programming details soon to come. ASTA looks forward to seeing you in Kansas City! ASTA's Executive Committee Plans for Full Agenda. The Executive Committee will convene on Sept. 11-12 in Washington, DC. Capitalizing on the gathering of ASTA's leadership, members have the possibility to conduct meetings with U.S. government officials, members of Congress and staff and agricultural industry leaders. In addition to the full agenda of the committee, three speakers will present on key topics of interest to the seed industry. Director for Food Safety and Agriculture Issues Lisa Shames of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) will provide an overview of recent evaluations of food safety oversight USDA and the Food and Drug Administration following several high profile food safety events in the last year. Attorney Monte Lake, counsel to the National Council of Agriculture Employers and numerous agriculture companies, will discuss the current state of immigration reform and issues impacting agriculture labor across the U.S. USDA's Chief Economist Joe Glauber has responsibility for the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Global Change Program Office and the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. His perspective will be of great interest with the dynamic drivers of agricultural production domestically and internationally. The Executive Committee will address general ASTA business, receive updates on various ASTA programs and briefings on legislative and policy issues and discuss ASTA's membership survey and strategic plan.
First the Seed Foundation Finds Temporary Home on ASTA Web Site. As the first campaign toward raising funds for the First the Seed Foundation begins, those interested in the foundation can learn more by visiting the ASTA Web site or by following a direct link under "Meetings & Opportunities." The seed industry established the First the Seed 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. 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 the ASTA office or visiting the Web site.
Register Now for the Next FuSE Educational Unit at Seminis. ASTA's Future Seed Executives (FuSE) program will hold its next Educational Unit at Seminis in Woodland, Cal., on Sept. 16. Highly popular with participants, the Educational Units provide one-day programs hosted by ASTA member companies in conjunction with local universities. The exciting agenda for the next Educational Unit is now finalized and can be found here. The seminar will feature an overview of Seminis and Monsanto business models, a session on recent research developments and a tour of the research facility. A case study on improved nutrient content in biotech vegetables will be moderated by Megan Judge and Professor Jim Ahern of Cal Poly University. Additionally, the unit offers numerous networking opportunities with other young professionals. FuSE is also partnering with the California Seed Association (CSA) to provide a discounted opportunity to attend CSA's mid-year meeting on Sept. 17. For only $150, future seed executives are able to attend both events and learn about many issues that CSA is currently addressing on behalf of the state's seed industry. Information on airports, lodging and driving directions are now posted on the FuSE Web site. An optional social event will also be held on Monday, Sept. 15. Please note that the FuSE Educational Unit is filling up quickly, and registrations must be received in the ASTA office by Monday, Sept. 8. Click here to register for the event. Should you have any questions about the upcoming Educational Unit or FuSE, please contact Jason Laney. Congratulations to the 2008 ASTA Membership Survey Prize Winners. Four winners were randomly selected among those participants who completed the 2008 ASTA membership survey. Alan Wilson of Plains Construction & Development, Inc. and Roger Levy of Beck's Superior Hybrids each won a $50 gas gift card. Rita Gorham of Bayer CropScience and Kevin Loe of Oregon Wholesale Seed Co. were the lucky winners of $100 gas cards. ASTA initiated the survey of seed industry representatives among current and past members to better service all membership. The feedback is invaluable to ASTA leadership and staff as the association's efforts put forth in representing the seed industry and in bringing services that assist in everyday business operations. The results gathered through the survey will enable ASTA to make the changes needed to better serve its membership. The initial results from this broad electronic survey will be presented to the Executive Committee meeting in September. ASTA would like to thank those participating in the survey. USDA Announces Plant Variety Protection Board Teleconference. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will hold a teleconference meeting of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Board on Sept. 9. The meeting will be convened in the AMS Conference Room in Washington, D.C. Open to the public, prospective attendees are required to register with the Plant Variety Protection office at (301) 504-5518 before Sept. 5. AMS administers the PVP Act, which provides time-limited marketing protection to developers of new and distinct seed-reproduced and tuber-propagated plants, ranging from farm crops to flowers. The board consists of 14 individuals appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture who are experts in various areas of varietal development. Representing the private or seed industry sector, the public or government sector, and farmer representatives, the board advises the secretary about rules and regulations needed to facilitate proper administration of the PVP Act and about questions related to section 44 of the PVP Act on public interest in wide usage of a protected variety. The board also provides advisory decisions on all appeals from the examiner. ASTA Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky is on the board. Several ASTA members also serve: Steve Callistein, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.; Harry Collins, Monsanto Company; John Nelsen, RiceTec, Inc.; and Larry Svajgr, Indiana Crop Improvement Association. Minutes of the meeting will be available for public review 30 days following the meeting and will be posted at www.ams.usda.gov/PVPO. For more information, contact the Plant Variety Protection office at (301) 504-5518. State of States Liability: Genetically Engineered Plants Bill on Course for California Governor's Signature. Also known as the Huffman Ag Biotech Bill (AB 541), it passed the California legislature and is on its way to the governor's desk for signature, which is expected. When first introduced, the Liability: Genetically Engineered Plants Bill was very onerous to current agricultural production practices. As passed, it focuses on the process a patent-holder must follow in alleged grower contract infringements, notification and court-ordered sampling and analysis protocols in such cases. The bill also covers the extent of liability to the farmer from adventitious presence of genetically modified plants. In general, it outlines that a "farmer is not liable based on the presence or possession of a patented genetically engineered plant when the farmer did not knowingly buy or otherwise knowingly acquire the genetically engineered plant." There was no opposition noted on the bill as finally passed. ASTA provided testimony on the bill in the very early stages of the hearings. More information can be found through the following link. Comments Being Collected on New York Regulation for Certified Seed. The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets has offered a regulation for comment that alters the processes and standards relating to certified seed sold in the state. The proposed rule conforms to the Federal Seed Act and its regulations. Smaller sample size requirements are part of the new rules. Another section requires that all sampling may only be done by individuals approved by the certifying agency and must follow the Association of American Seed Control Officials (AASCO) Handbook on Seed Sampling guidelines. By invitation of the department, seed companies operating within New York were involved when the rules were originally being drafted. The full content of the proposed rule may be found at: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2008/aug27/toc.htm. A hearing on the regulation is scheduled for Oct. 1, and comments will be accepted for five days after that date.
ASTA and APSA Partner for Plant Quarantine Workshop. ASTA coordinated with the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA) to hold a Plant Quarantine Workshop titled, "Optimization of current quarantine laws and regulations: Strengthening the partnership between the national government and the private sector." The workshop was held Aug. 28-29 in Bangkok, Thailand. ASTA and APSA have collaborated in the past to provide a venue for governments and private sector representatives in the Asia and Pacific regions to facilitate communication for better understanding of phytosanitary and other quarantine policies. To build on the relationships among government officials of the participating countries and the private sector, this workshop provided an additional opportunity for information exchange focusing on the current and specific phytosanitary issues affecting the seed trade industry. Public and private attendees were from Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. ASTA member John Stevens, phytosanitary issues manager, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and Lisa Nichols, ASTA's director of international programs, represented ASTA at the meeting. Workshop attendees were asked to provide a comprehensive summary of their respective country pest lists, as well as technical and administrative issues related to import permits, post-quarantine regulations, pest risk assessments(PRA), laboratory accreditation and the definition of "seed borne" disease. Participants worked in discussion groups to enable better communication and clearer understanding of each country's plant quarantine regulations. The groups were able to address disputed issues, particularly those resulting in unreasonable trade barriers. A workable definition of "seed-borne" diseases was also agreed upon. Dr. P.S. Chandurkar, directorate for plant protection, quarantine and storage, from the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture-India thanked ASTA and APSA for the opportunity to participate. He added, "It was good that so many countries were able to participate in this workshop in order to partake in the many discussions in the last two days. The dialogue that took place assists each country to better understand the issues from one another's perspective. It was extremely useful." All country presentations and information provided through this workshop will be made available to ASTA members. For more information, please contact Lisa Nichols. Onion Seed Testing for Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) Now Required by Argentina. ASTA was recently informed that Argentina will now require onion seed to be tested for IYSV as a condition of entry. Argentina imposed this testing requirement because of the possibility of IYSV being transmitted by seed. However, there are numerous reports in scientific literature indicating that IYSV is not seed transmitted. With input from ASTA, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent a letter to Argentina asking them to remove the new testing requirement on the basis of the scientific record. There are two key articles which conclude that IYSV is not seed transmitted. The first, published in 2001, indicated that no symptoms were observed in onion seedlings grown from seeds harvested from infected plants, even eight weeks after germination. ELISA test results were also negative for IYSV in this study. The second, a review article published in 2006, cited 128 articles and concluded that IYSV is neither seed-borne nor seed transmitted. "We are hopeful that Argentina will rescind this requirement in the near future," said Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade. Australia Updates Entry Requirements for Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) on Tomato Seed. When Australia announced its new entry requirements for PSTVd on tomato seed, many companies shipping seed to Australia became concerned that the new requirements could not be met. Most countries, including the U.S., have not conducted official surveys to document freedom from PSTVd or to establish pest areas of freedom. Additionally, in most cases, mother plants for this growing season could not be tested for PSTVd. ASTA worked with the International Seed Federation as well as USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to encourage Australia to reconsider its new requirements. As a result, Australia added another option which will be considered a temporary measure until seed producers can implement testing for future seed crops. This option provides for a statement on shipments that "no symptoms of diseases caused by PSTVd have been observed on the plants at the place of production during their complete cycle of vegetation." Any seed that cannot meet the current requirements can still be submitted to Australia for molecular (PCR) testing; however, the test requires 20,000 seeds and costs around $3500 USD. If PSTVd is detected, it is probable that seed imports from that country of production will be suspended. A new testing protocol is being developed in Europe that could reduce the sample size to 3,000 seeds, but the protocol will still need to be validated. "The National Seed Health System (NSHS) will be an important partner in the validation process as well as developing better tests for PSTVd", said ASTA's Senior Director for Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle.
Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) to Hold Phytosanitary Workshop. The upcoming SAA Phytosanitary Workshop, co-hosted by the Brazilian Association of Seed Producers (ABRASEM), will take place Sept. 29-30, in Brasilia, Brazil. The purpose of the workshop is to gather public and private sector representatives and to provide a forum for information exchange on each country's phytosanitary requirements and regulatory processes for seed. The attendance of approximately 80 public and private sector participants have been invited from SAA member countries of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, U.S.A and Uruguay, as well as from Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Each representative has been asked to submit a comprehensive summary of their country's phytosanitary regulatory protocol, pest lists, seed health testing requirements and other information relative to seed import regulations. Dr. Adelaida Harries, Iowa State Seed Science Center, will serve as the facilitator of the workshop. Dr. Harries has extensive experience in seed import and export and phytosanitary accreditation for seed exports. This workshop will provide a transparent platform for government-to-government and industry-to-government exchange. ASTA, as member of the organizing and steering committee for this workshop, is very supportive of this initiative to facilitate inter-regional communication on prohibitive phytosanitary regulations that adversely affect seed trade. For more information contact ASTA's Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols. Aug. 28. Bernice Slutsky, ASTA vice president for science and international affairs, met with a delegation from Guatemala, sponsored by USDA. The Guatemalan Minister of Agriculture led the delegation. Dr. Slutsky made a presentation and led a discussion on the importance of innovation to the seed industry and how government policies encourage innovation. The delegation was very interested in intellectual property rights and the ability of Guatemala to take advantage of new technologies in agriculture. Two Seedsmen Lost Early. Sammy Bownds, 56, of Plainview, Tex., passed away on Aug. 27 in Tucson, Ariz. Born in Stella, Mo., he grew up in Lorenzo and Ralls and attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville. He worked for Texas Triumph Seed Company in Ralls and then later for Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Plainview for 32 years. He was a member of the Texas Seed Trade Association and served on the board of directors as well as several committees. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Diane Bownds of Plainview; son, Andrew Samuel Bownds and wife Laura of Newton, Kan.; daughter, Amy Suzanne Bownds of Lubbock; his father, Sammie Bownds of Ralls; two brothers, Lester Bownds and wife Paula of Lorenzo, Kenneth Bownds and wife Rhonda of Garland; sister-in-law, Pamela Bownds of Alvin; and two grandchildren, Chloe Breanna Bownds and Kateleigh Diane Bownds of Newton, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his mother, Billie Bownds, and a brother, Ray Gene Bownds. Memorials may be made in the name of First Baptist Church Building Fund in Plainview. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Peggy Bownds, 3601 W. 25th St., Plainview, TX 79072. Pierre Roger passed away suddenly at the age of 47 from a heart attack on Aug. 26. Pierre worked for Limagrain in the Seed and Intellectual Property Regulation Division and was chairman of the Intellectual Property Committee of the International Seed Federation. He was very committed to his work and gave many presentations on different topics in the field of intellectual property. Roger is survived by his wife, Sylvia, and his three children, Thomas, Rachel and Cécile. Condolences may be made at www.pfg.fr. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to both their families. Former ASTA President & CEO Takes Position at Virginia Tech University. Richard Crowder, past president and CEO of ASTA has been named professor of strategic management and international trade at Virginia Tech University. Crowder was the former agricultural trade negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and under secretary for international affairs and commodity programs at USDA. ASTA and its members extend best wishes to Dick as he assumes his new position. SGS Announces New Services of Interest to Seed Industry.
Seed Treatment Symposium to Address Current Tends in Europe. BCPC (formerly known as the British Crop Protection Council) will hold a symposium titled, "Seed Production and Treatment in a Changing Environment," on Feb. 24-25, 2009, in the United Kingdom. New information continues to be made available on the technology of treatment, the interpretation of seed testing, the technology of seed testing and sampling of seeds and production methods which lessen the risk of pest or pathogen attack. This symposium will examine these developments as well as the effects of current and future legislation both in the United Kingdom and Europe. Researchers in relevant fields are invited to put forward offers for platform and poster presentations. The deadline for submission is Sept. 29, 2008. For more information, visit www.bcpc.org/seedtreatment.
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 |