 |
 |
|
October 21, 2009
Seed Industry Aims to Take People Beyond the Seed
Much like other areas of technology and innovation, the American seed industry has seen a dramatic evolution in the use of science and technology to provide farmers with new and improved seed varieties. This scientific transformation has presented today's seed industry with the challenge of how to inform growers, legislators, regulators, the public, media and others that today's seed is not the seed of our fathers or grandfathers. In order to meet that challenge, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) first unveiled in December 2008 a program that goes "Beyond the Seed!" Today, ASTA launches the Beyond the Seed Web site to reach the industry's many stakeholders about the value of seed innovation for today and the great potential for our future. The Beyond the Seed Program will unite the seed industry and its partners to communicate a shared message on the benefits of promoting and protecting innovation to customers and policy makers. "The value that innovation brings to our customers and the importance of intellectual property protection plays in bringing new products to the market are key ASTA strategic goals. ASTA is excited to launch the Beyond the Seed program to raise awareness and understanding of the value that goes beyond the seed," said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "The future success of U.S. agriculture depends upon quality seed delivered by an industry commitment to bringing innovation and performance through continued investment." A Web site is critical in today's information highway. This Beyond the Seed informational vehicle (www.beyondtheseed.org) will allow the greatest exposure to the broadest of audiences, as well as serve as a resource for program ambassadors, ASTA members, staff and partner organizations. The Web site has a public section which delves deeper into the three areas that are the foundation for the Beyond the Seed program - Commitment, Innovation and Performance - and offers a variety of informational resources that will be updated and added to on a regular basis. The program was designed to provide an array of tools, easily accessed through registration on the Web site. A logo (shown above) serves as the cornerstone of the Beyond the Seed program - highlighting the seed industry's commitment to innovation and bringing performance to the farm. The logo can be used on seed or related products that provide information on technology or scientific research and development related to agricultural seeds and the seed industry. Registration and guidelines for use of the logo can be found on the site. Another key component of the program is the role of the Beyond the Seed Ambassador. Through the Web site, advocates of seed innovation and technology can apply through a simple on-line process to be a Beyond the Seed Ambassador. The ambassadors will personally carry the message of the Beyond the Seed program to audiences throughout the agricultural value-chain, from seed customers to consumers, as well as policy makers. Through a password protected resource on the Web site, ambassadors can access additional tools to enhance their outreach. The tools include a 10-page brochure simply explaining the Beyond the Seed Program and an accompanying wallet card which is a great little give away that emphasizes nuggets of seed facts for people to consider. It is a nice piece to hand out at trade shows or for a representative to tuck in their wallet for that quick conversation on the elevator. One of the main outreach tools is a standard presentation that supports and emphasizes the messages of the Beyond the Seed Program. Unique to this project is that the standard presentation not only includes notes for a Beyond the Seed Ambassador to personally deliver the presentation, but it also has a voiceover option. This will allow the presenter to "play" the presentation for audiences. In addition, this version of the presentation is available on the Web site to reach a broader audience, making the site more dynamic. The Web site will offer additional slide options that go deeper into explanations for specific audiences, explaining industry technologies or drawing upon different case studies such as those developed by Iowa State University. If seed innovation and the protection of intellectual property are passions for you, then ASTA wants you in the legion of Beyond the Seed ambassadors. Training, materials and resources will be provided to further this seed industry message. To learn more about the project, please visit www.beyondtheseed.org today! Register for the 23rd Annual ASTA Management Academy ASTA has partnered with the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University to offer the 23rd annual ASTA Management Academy, a management development seminar designed specifically for seed industry professionals. The program will take place March 2-5, 2010, on Purdue University's campus in West Lafayette, Ind. The ASTA Management Academy was created for both experienced decision makers and those new to the seed industry. It features a structured exploration of essential management topics and skills, including marketing, organizational leadership, financial management and strategic oversight. The program curriculum has a leading-edge managerial foundation with a focus on the seed industry, a balance that will both broaden and deepen perspectives. The ASTA Management Academy not only offers an in-depth look at issues facing the seed industry, but also an opportunity to meet people from across the field. The structure of the program allows for networking and sharing ideas with colleagues. While learning from Purdue's world-class instructors and recognized industry leaders, attendees gather ideas from the academy's other participants, professionals from across the seed industry. Through industry-specific curriculum and innovative networking opportunities, the ASTA Management Academy will expand your knowledge of and impact on the seed industry. To learn more and register for the academy, visit the ASTA Management Academy Web site. Your Chance to be in ASTA Show Business! The Program Planning Committees for ASTA's Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Divisions are seeking new members. Each December and March, these two committees meet to discuss the educational topics covered within the Soybean Seed Research Conference and the Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference, collectively referred to as CSS, held each December in Chicago. The next meeting of these two committees will be held at CSS 2009, and new members are welcome and encouraged to lend their voices to help shape the conference program for CSS 2010. The Soybean Program Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 1:00 p.m. The Corn & Sorghum Program Planning Committee will meet on Friday, Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. If you would like to participate, please contact Jennifer Lord. Visit ASTA on Facebook! ASTA has established a Facebook page in order to help members and event attendees connect to each other surrounding convention events and other seed industry issues. The Facebook page, currently located on the main page for CSS 2009 & Seed Expo, will be updated often leading up to the December event. ASTA members and attendees are encouraged to take part by becoming a "Fan" of the page. A new presence on Twitter has also been established and frequent updates surrounding the planning and program for the convention will be posted there. National Organic Standards Board Meeting Set for November USDA's National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will meet Nov. 3-5, 2009, in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Plaza Hotel. NOSB assists in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production along with certain aspects of implementing the National Organic Program (NOP). Topics at this meeting include the presentation of recommendations on guidance for accredited certifying agents of NOP along with recommendations on changes of definitions on the National List, as well as nanotechnology in organic production. All sessions are open to the public, and the detailed schedule of sessions can be found at the following link (schedule). Lisa Nichols, ASTA Organic Committee staff liaison, will attend these NOSB sessions. Please contact Lisa Nichols if you or your company will also be attending or with any questions about the meeting. ASTA Meets With Foreign Relations Committee Staff On Oct. 8, ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Vice President for Government Affairs Leslie Cahill met with staff from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to discuss the status and merits of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources. They were also joined by the Treaty's Secretary Dr. Shakeel Bhatti. ASTA reinforced the Association's support for ratification of the Treaty and pledged to continue working with the committee. All treaties must be ratified by the U.S. Senate. ASTA shared with committee staff that the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Corn Growers Association have endorsed ratification of the Treaty. ASTA and a number of committees have worked over the last years to develop and influence various components of the Treaty, including the material transfer agreement. Because the seed industry is directly affected by the Treaty, ASTA has long advocated for the U.S. to become an official party. In doing so, the U.S. will have direct influence and ability to participate in critical meetings and working groups as the process moves forward. More information on the Treaty can be found at www.planttreaty.org. Michigan Agriculture Sees Changes in State Authority The role and power of the Michigan Commission of Agriculture has been reduced by an executive order from Governor Jennifer released on Oct. 8, 2009. The commission is a bipartisan group of citizens appointed by the Governor which has held, since the 1920's, the authority on reviewing agricultural-related rules, gathering public and industry feedback, overseeing food safety and production regulations, monitoring plant and animal diseases and setting fees. The order removes key responsibilities, including selecting the director, reviewing rules and regulations, fee-setting and more. The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) oversees the state's seed law. Michigan agriculture is the second-most diverse in the nation, after California. It generates more than $71.3 billion a year and employs more than a million Michigan citizens in a wide range of areas, from producing to processing. "For decades, Michigan agriculture has been a model for good government, openness, accountability and economic progress, and this executive order threatens to send one of the few bright spots in our economy backwards," said Mitch Irwin, director of MDA from 2005 to 2007. Michigan Agri-Business Association President Jim Byrum said, "Michigan agriculture is one of the few bright spots in our state's struggling economy, and this dangerous executive order will put agriculture and our economy at risk. Michigan agriculture is creating jobs and supporting local economies across the state. The Department of Agriculture is actually doing things right. A system that works well and is creating new jobs and opportunities for Michigan agriculture is now at risk." State agricultural leaders have called upon Michigan's legislators to overturn this executive order. ASTA Heads to Mid-Term International Seed Federation (ISF) Meetings Several ASTA members and staff will participate in the mid-term fall meetings of ISF held Oct. 26-30 in Krakow, Poland. The week will include meetings of ISF committees and sections, as well as the Executive Committee and Board of Directors in order to prepare for the ISF Congress slated for May 21-June 2, 2010 in Calgary, Canada. The committees and sections convening at the mid-term meeting include: Sustainable Agriculture Committee and Intellectual Property Committee, who will report to the Breeders Committee; the Board of Vegetable and Ornamentals Section; the Board of Forage and Turf Section; and the Board of Field Crops Section. ASTA representation is vital to providing input from the perspective of the U.S. seed industry on discussions such as stewardship, farmers' rights, essentially derived varieties, phytosanitary issues, breeding techniques and activities under various international bodies. Members and staff traveling to these meetings for ASTA include: Harry Collins, Marc Cool, Jerry Flint, Bryan Gerard, Tim Johnson, John Schoenecker, Andy LaVigne and Bernice Slutsky. ASTA Committees: Involvement = Greater Value Management Skills Committee Description The Management Skills Committee is responsible for providing ASTA members with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the seed industry and improve their management skills. The committee develops new programs and learning opportunities for both new and experienced professionals in the seed industry. ASTA's Management Academy and Future Seed Executives resulted from initiatives of the committee. Current Activities The committee focuses primarily on the yearly ASTA Management Academy and supporting the activities of the Future Seed Executives (FuSE). Next Scheduled Meeting
Key Contacts
Out & About Oct. 10-12. ASTA Chairman Jerry Monk, Warner Seed Co., ASTA Northeastern Regional Vice President Fred Mohr, Seedway LLC, and ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller attended the Atlantic Seed Association Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. Mary Beth Ruh, F.M. Brown's Sons, Inc., Sinking Spring, Penn., was elected as president for the coming term. The next annual convention has been set for Oct. 16-19, 2010, in Philadelphia, Penn. Oct. 13-14. ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller attended the "Out-of-Focus" Meeting in Naples, Fla. The meeting is a social and educational gathering for administrators of state and regional agribusiness associations. Seed industry associations represented were Richard Denhart (Ill.), Joan O'Brien and Mark Reisinger (Iowa), Bryan Gentsch (Texas), Joe Neal Hampton (Okla.), Gary King (Ohio), and Bill Bond (Minn.). Study on Plant Breeding Education to be Conducted at UC Davis Researchers at University of California-Davis are initiating a study aimed at gaining consensus on the most essential curriculum components for educating plant breeders. Through an iterative process, a diverse group of experts with highly specialized knowledge of plant breeding will be surveyed to elicit ideas and suggestions for educational program content. Over 250 participants from all over the world will be asked to complete the three rounds of this survey, with each round building on the responses gleaned through the prior round. This consensus-based approach will lead to a comprehensive analysis of content and practical experiences that will guide the design of modern plant breeding curricula. Following conclusion of the analysis, all results will be publically available to the international community. Plant breeding is currently under stress - the global demand for breeders is greater than the current educational system has been producing. Companies are having difficulty finding well trained plant breeders, slowing the progress of agricultural research. The need to strengthen public plant breeding programs and educate more professional plant breeders is critical if we are to continue producing improved crop varieties to provide food for an increasing population. Dr. Cary Trexler, a professor in the College of Education will lead this study in cooperation with the Seed Biotechnology Center. Funding for this study is being provided through the generous support of private companies, university departments and individual contributors. Additional information regarding this study is available at http://sbc.ucdavis.edu. Please email breedingstudy@ucdavis.edu or contact Jamie Shattuck at (530) 752-9985 with questions or to help support this study. Sakata Seed America Names New President David Armstrong will assume the position of president and CEO of Sakata Seed America, replacing Paul Bennett, former ASTA chairman, who is retiring after 12 years as Sakata Seed America's president and CEO. Armstrong will oversee research, production, marketing and distribution operations for Sakata Seed America, and its subsidiaries in Canada, U.S., Mexico and Central America. Over his 30 year career in agriculture, Armstrong has held senior international management positions with seed industry leaders and has worked in North America, Asia and Europe. Armstrong joined Sakata in 2006, as managing director of Sakata's global ornamentals business, based in The Netherlands. Additionally, Ko Matsunaga, Sakata Seed America's vice-president and chief financial officer (CFO), has also retired. The position of vice-president and CFO will be separated. Jerry Reimer has been appointed as vice-president and Kazuyuki Matsuoka has been appointed CFO. French Seed Association Elects New President On Sept. 29, the French Seed Association (UFS) elected a new board and president. Florimond Desprez Group President François Desprez was elected as president of the UFS Board, a position he also holds at the European Seed Association and Société Coopérative d'intérêt Collectif Agricole anonyme des Sélectionneurs Obtenteurs. UFS was formed in March 2009 by its 131 members as a new and unique association fully dedicated to the seed and agricultural biotechnology business to deliver the best technical collective services to all seed firms.
Government Reports USDA
USDA/ARS
USDA/APHIS
USDA/NIFA USDA/ERS
USDA/NASS
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.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
129th Annual Convention • 2011 Farm & Lawn Seed Conf. • CSS 2011 & Seed Expo • 51st Vegetable & Flower Seed Conf. |