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September 23 , 2009
ASTA's Fall Line Up of Conventions Offer Many Opportunities! Anyone associated with the seed industry knows that Fall is a busy time of year. Seed is harvested, business is speculated and ASTA offers two conferences that are dedicated to sector specific research, issues, networking and business, the ASTA 2009 Farm & Lawn Seed Conference in Kansas City and the CSS 2009 & Seed Expo in Chicago. Below are some highlights - but to get your greatest value, mark your calendars and watch for future announcements in Seed E-News on speakers, networking opportunities and registration. 2009 Farm & Lawn Seed Conference Don't miss ASTA's 2009 Farm & Lawn Seed Conference, held in conjunction with the Western Seed Association's (WSA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 7-10, at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. ASTA's program begins on Sunday, Nov. 8 with meetings of ASTA's Invasive Species Working Group and the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee. The Farm Seed and Lawn Seed Divisions will meet on the morning of Monday, Nov. 9. ASTA has lined up a full agenda, including speakers such as Dr. Shaun Bushman, a research geneticist at the Forage & Range Research Lab at Utah State University, who will speak about orchard grass genomics and breeding efforts. This conference is also an opportunity to learn about the many critical issues facing the seed industry with an update from ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne and a session on the wheat seed research pipeline. Registration is now open for the 2009 Farm & Lawn Seed Conference. Click here to access the convention registration form and hotel information. To reserve a room in the WSA room block at the Westin Crown Center Hotel, please call 816-474-4400 or log on to the Westin web site for the group block, which is listed as the Western Seed Association. Room rates start at $120 and rooms must be reserved by Oct. 5, 2009. NEW for the conference this year is the addition of exhibit and sponsorship opportunities at the convention, marketing your company or product to nearly 600 seed industry professionals focused in the lawn and turf seed industry. Visit the exhibit information and the sponsorship link to review the available opportunities and reserve yours today. CSS 2009 & Seed Expo (2009 Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference & Seed Expo) Chicago in December? Some would say you are crazy, but those in the corn, sorghum or soybean business, know that Chicago will be the hub of the seed industry Dec. 8-11, 2009, for CSS 2009 & Seed Expo, the largest seed industry convention in the country! ASTA has designed a tremendous venue at the 64th Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference, the 39th Soybean Seed Research Conference and Seed Expo 2009 so that attendees can gather information on the latest research and issues facing the seed industry while networking and conducting business all in one location, the Hyatt Regency Chicago.Registration will open soon for CSS 2009 & Seed Expo and can be found on the convention Web site. Hotel rates start at $123 and are available until Nov. 16. In addition to the wealth of valuable programming outlined on the Research Conference Schedule, ASTA has a few new featured sessions within the overall convention schedule that are open to all full conference registrants that you won't want to miss. On Dec. 9, the Biotechnology Committee will discuss new regulatory and trade issues related to biotechnology, including an update on activities addressing adventitious presence. The session will also feature a panel discussion among participants in the pilot project of the Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS), a project of the Biotechnology Regulatory Service (BRS) of USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Committee will convene on Dec. 9, providing an in-depth session on ASTA's IPR-related international programming in China and India along with a discussion on 2010 planned activities. The committee will also be briefed on any outcomes of the mid-term meetings in November of the International Seed Federation. Discussion will continue on options related to seed dispositions for expired Plant Variety Protection certificates for hybrids. This year's Joint General Session on Dec. 10, which serves as the transition point between the Soybean Seed Research Conference and the Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference, is nothing short of blockbuster! The session begins with a program on agriculture's economic outlook, featuring experts from Doane Advisory Services and the Office of the Chief Economist at USDA. The second half of the session offers cutting edge reports from a variety of small biotechnology firms working on new innovations coming down the pipeline, from the U.S. to Europe to China and into your near future! When you attend a convention, is your team taking all of the right steps for your maximum ROI? Convention and trade show veteran Fred Fox of The Exhibitor Institute takes you on a 90 minute journey on Dec. 9, from the pre-show marketing to the on-site connections to the post-show follow-up steps you should be taking to get the best value out of attending CSS 2009 & Seed Expo or any convention or trade show. You might be amazed at the simple things that make all the difference to your bottom line! Can't make it to Chicago to attend the foremost convention in the seed industry? ASTA has made it possible for you to experience CSS 2009 & Seed Expo virtually! ASTA is proud to unveil a new registration category for seed industry professionals who want to take part in all of the networking and education that the convention has to offer but might face travel limitations due to scheduling conflicts or budget constraints in the current economy. Virtual Access offers access to convention materials, speaker and exhibitor information and attendee rosters - and also connects you with all convention registrants through the conference's new Facebook presence - to help meet others in your industry before the convention or just online! Full convention registrants will have access to the Virtual Access community automatically, so your on-site appointment making just got much easier! ASTA Approves Principles Addressing Research with Commercially Available Seed On Sept. 17, ASTA's Executive Committee approved a set of principles which address research on commercial, patent-protected seed products. With ASTA's adoption of the principles, the seed industry demonstrated its continued commitment to public sector research on commercially available, patent-protected seed products. The goal of the principles is to enable the public sector research community to conduct independent research on commercially available seed products for the purpose of understanding the technology, education, extension and the safe and effective use of these products. The principles also recognize that the public sector research community is free to design robust, scientifically sound experimental protocols and methodologies, as well as to derive independent conclusions. Companies will facilitate these institutions' access to commercial, licensed technologies in a way that continues to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, respect for intellectual property and use of comprehensive stewardship programs that promote the responsible and safe management of these commercially available products. Although every company must determine independently the terms under which it will implement these principles, they demonstrate the commitment of the seed and biotechnology industries to public sector research. In addition, the principles commit to a regular and ongoing dialogue between the seed industry and the public sector researchers and institutions. The principles were also approved on Sept. 10, 2009, by the Food and Agriculture Section Governing Board of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. ASTA Executive Committee Tackles Full Agenda The ASTA Executive Committee conducted their fall meeting from Sept. 16-18 in Washington, D.C., along with appointments with Administration officials and members of Congress. Committee members met with the administrators of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to discuss issues such as the phytosanitary regulations impacting the movement of seed, the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) program, policies regarding adventitious presence and low level presence, the movement of seed to Mexico for organic production, the National Seed Health System (NSHS) and others. At USDA, the group also met with Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Bud Philbrook and Foreign Agricultural Service Associate Administrator John D. Brewer to relate ASTA's involvement in the international cooperator programs, ASTA's position on strong intellectual property protection, the impact of phytosanitary regulations on the import and export of seed and on seed research abilities and ASTA's continued support for the passage of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources. The Executive Committee's formal meeting included reports from staff on legislative and regulatory issues, ASTA activities addressing government affairs, ASTA's international representation and efforts, communications projects, financial statements, membership servicing and the progress of the First the Seed Foundation. Two key speakers also joined the committee, providing a review of the overall political landscape in the Washington and throughout the U.S. and a report on the state of agribusiness following the recent release of the movie Food, Inc. "The ASTA Executive Committee continues to strongly represent the members of the Association and the American seed industry in a very able and driven manner," stated ASTA Chairman Jerry Monk. "Never before have we seen the issues facing American agriculture and business, and I am confident that ASTA is positioned to represent its members at the legislative and regulatory table in Washington and around the world."
Mark Your Calendars for this Opportunity with FuSE! The next Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Education Unit will be hosted by the Harris Moran Seed Company in Davis, Calif., on Oct. 23, 2009. Harris Moran has taken a global markets view in putting together a full agenda, with facility tours, scientific presentations and an interactive session on intellectual property. A detailed agenda and registration form are now available. FuSE is a sub-committee of ASTA's Management Skills Committee. FuSE seeks to provide education, support and networking opportunities for those with fewer than seven years of experience in the seed industry. A list of upcoming events, as well as information on how to become more involved with the FuSE organization, can be found at the FuSE Web site: www.futureseedexecutives.com. New Chair Named for Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry On Sept. 9, Arkansas's senior U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln was tapped as the next chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. In the committee's 184-year history, Lincoln will be the first Arkansan and first female ever to serve as chairman. Lincoln served on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry since January 1999 and as chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Revitalization, Conservation, Forestry and Credit during the current 111th U.S. Congress. From 1993-95, she was a member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Lincoln follows Iowa Senator Tom Harkin who assumed the chairmanship of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. ASTA Member Hosts Congressional Representative As a follow-up to ASTA's Seed Industry Washington DC Fly-in conducted in April 2009, Beck's Superior Hybrids of Atlanta, Ind., was visited by Congressman Dan Burton on Sept. 20, at the invitation of Scott Beck. Congressman Burton and three of his staff members toured the facility and discussed issues pertinent to the operation. As elected officials make daily decision that can affect your business, it is critical that they understand the issues of the seed industry. Through contacts made in local congressional districts or with senate representatives, these elected officials will know they have a link to the seed industry back home as issues arise in Washington, D.C. ASTA encourages members to reach out to their elected representatives through invitations to visit facilities and through meetings in the home state. ASTA Heads to the Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) 2nd Bi-Annual Congress The Congress will take place Sept. 28 - 30, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This year's program will focus on three key topics of seed trade between the Americas: phytosanitary issues, intellectual property rights and biotechnology, specifically low level presence in seed. Within the Congress' Phytosanitary Session, Alan S. Green, executive director of Plant Health Programs at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), will present a U.S. Country Report, and Bob Griffin, director of USDA/APHIS' Pest Risk Analysis Laboratory will speak on the concept and process of pest risk assessment (PRA). Other U.S. participation in the Congress includes Todd Rands, legal advisor with Monsanto Company, who will deliver a "Country Experiences" report during the Intellectual Property Rights Session. Contributing to the Biotechnology Session will be Jerry Flint, also with Monsanto Company, who will set the stage for the discussion related to low level presence, followed by Adelaida Harries, Iowa State University (ISU), on the movement of seed in the Americas and Sally McCammon, USDA/APHIS science advisor, on the new project by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on low level presence in seed. ASTA 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 will also participate in the Congress. If you have any questions on the Congress, please contact Diego Risso, SAA secretary general or Lisa Nichols at ASTA. Sept. 17-21 Pat Miller, ASTA director of state affairs, attended the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's Annual Convention in Montgomery, Ala. Agricultural department heads and their staff members attended the meeting highlighted by a speech from former Mexican President Vincente Fox. The attendees participated in a variety of policy discussion, one of which was a resolution encouraging USDA to expedite the approval process for Round Up Ready Alfalfa, currently under review. ASTA also was an exhibitor at the meeting. ASTA Remembers Borlaug's Contributions to Agriculture and the World Few have made a difference in this world as the scientific and humanitarian contributions of Norman Borlaug, who passed away on Sept. 13, at the age of 95. His life was dedicated to advanced science and bringing ground-breaking change to agriculture, later termed the "Green Revolution." This revolution is recognized with saving the lives of hundreds of millions by alleviating hunger through Borlaug's innovative breeding to develop disease resistant wheat. For his humanitarian efforts, Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006. "The passing of Dr Borlaug is truly a loss for the plant breeding industry. He was the giant that all of us looked up to," said Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). "Agriculture has lost an amazing person, but his soul will continue to inspire us in the seed industry." Born on March 24, 1914, outside of Cresco, Iowa, he grew up on a farm and attended a one-room school house through the eighth grade. To those who had the pleasure to meet Dr. Borlaug, it was evident that he remained close to his early upbringings, always willing to talk to aspiring students, researchers and policy makers about the tremendous impact innovation can have on agricultural production. Borlaug attended the University of Minnesota where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1937 in forestry, a master's degree in 1940 and a doctorate in 1942in plant genetics. In October 1944, he began his formidable work in Mexico at the International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center. Borlaug crossed strains of wheat, coming up with a sturdy, short-stalked, high-yield grain. The yield gains by the new variety were tremendous and improved not only the lives of Mexicans, but also had great success in Central Asia as well, namely India and Pakistan. "Dr. Borlaug not only drove the Green Revolution, he challenged today's crop of plant breeders to rise to a new level that would benefit growers globally," said ASTA Chairman Jerry Monk of Warner Seeds, Inc. "While he will be sorely missed, he will not be forgotten." Seed Industry Morns Loss of Legal Counsel Charles Kirk Charles (Charley) Kirk, legal counsel to the Dow AgroSciences (DAS) North American Regulatory and Commercial organizations, passed away on Sept. 12, following surgery after a serious cycling accident. Based in Indianapolis, Ind., he was a valued and trusted employee for DAS, serving the company in various roles within the Legal Department for more than 15 years. Born in Indianapolis on June 25, 1961, Charley graduated from North Central High School and received his bachelor's degree in English and History from Indiana University in 1983 and graduated summa cum laude from the University School of Law- Indianapolis in 1990. He had been a member of the Indianapolis Sailing Club and of the Players Club. Charley practiced law with the Indianapolis law firm of Locke Reynolds Boyd & Weisell until he joined DAS in December 1993. He contributed greatly to efforts in state government affairs throughout the country, designing compelling arguments and talking points regarding state liability and proposals against biotechnology. He is survived by his wife, Carrie, and sons, William (8) and George (4). ASTA and its members extend their condolences to his family. U.S. Grains Council Names Thomas C. Dorr President and CEO On Sept. 15, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) announced that former USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr will serve as president and CEO of the organization. He will officially assume the role on Nov. 16, where he will head the country's largest export market development organization for barley, corn, sorghum and their co-products. Dorr said being an Iowa farmer for more than 30 years and serving seven years with USDA afforded him the opportunity to understand and value the nearly 50 years of export market development efforts orchestrated by the Council. As undersecretary for Rural Development, Dorr led programs to expand rural infrastructure, including electric, broadband and water services, rural entrepreneurial efforts and rural housing. Dorr has served as a member of the board of directors of the 7th District Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Iowa Board of Regents and as a member and officer of the Iowa and National Corn Growers Associations. Dorr, from Marcus, Iowa, was the president of a family farm and agribusiness company for 29 years. Dorr succeeds Ken Hobbie, USGC's president and CEO for the last 18 years and who has been with the Council for a total of 33 years.
Government Reports USDA
USDA/AMS
USDA/ARS
USDA/ERS
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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129th Annual Convention • 2011 Farm & Lawn Seed Conf. • CSS 2011 & Seed Expo • 51st Vegetable & Flower Seed Conf. |