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November 18 , 2009
Phytosanitary Arena: Where have We Been, Where are We Now, and Where are We Going as an Industry? For ASTA's member companies that move seed internationally, phytosanitary issues continue to become more and more complex. Entry requirements are constantly changing, seed testing methods for new pests of concern are often lacking, and testing and mitigation measures vary considerably from one country to another, even for the same pests and pathogens on the same kind of seed. Changes and additions to countries' entry requirements often make it much more difficult, if not impossible, as well as expensive, for companies to meet these requirements, resulting in the creation of technical trade barriers. Although international market demands for U.S. seed are on the increase, international standards and country phytosanitary regulations have not kept pace with the seed industry's need to move seed internationally. As a result, companies suffer millions of dollars in unnecessary testing, treatments, demerge costs and lost sales. One of the biggest international problems currently for seed companies is the issue of re-export. For many years re-export was not a major problem because importing countries were not enforcing the requirement for the seed's country of origin to be declared on the phytosanitary certificate. Seed is often grown in one country (country of origin) and shipped to another country (importing country). If the importing country is the final market, then there are no issues except for meeting that country's phytosanitary import requirements. However, in many cases the seed company wants to process, repackage, treat or add coatings, store and then ship that seed from the first importing country to possibly several other countries. The problem is that the seed has only been required to meet the phytosanitary requirements of the first country of importation. When a product is to be re-exported it is impossible to meet any additional import requirements beyond those of the first country of import. Countries typically will not certify for entry requirements that are not needed by the first country of import, so in these cases, the producer is out of luck for re-export. ASTA has been addressing these issues on several fronts. First, ASTA helps companies that have consignments stopped at ports of entry. Many times the problems are administrative in nature, such as not having original copies of import permits or phytosanitary certificates; however, in most cases the problems involve issues with phytosanitary certification. Either pests of concern have not been addressed to the satisfaction of the country of importation, or, more commonly, the officials at the port of entry have found additional pest issues based on inspection, or re-sampling and testing. "These types of problems can get complicated very easily," notes Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade. "If officials hold or reject shipments because of detections of pests of concern, we work very hard to validate their findings or seek additional options such as re-testing, re-cleaning or treatment." ASTA has found on occasion that import requirements could not be technically justified and has worked through USDA to get these requirements lifted. The close relationship ASTA maintains with USDA agencies such as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is critical to solve phytosanitary and related problems associated with seed movements. These agencies work with foreign governments on behalf of ASTA and its members to resolve these problems. "Our company has experienced several problems with shipments stopped at foreign ports of entry. Without ASTA's help in getting the right USDA officials involved, we would have lost thousands of dollars in lost sales alone," said Tom Moore of Enza Zaden Seeds and chairman of ASTA's Phytosanitary Committee. "Brassica seed involving Brazil has been a nagging problem for several years now," remarked Philip Brown of Alf Christianson Seed Company. "ASTA cooperated with APHIS to get the industry involved in the development of a pest risk analysis for U.S. Brassica seed to Brazil." Moore and Brown have provided information to APHIS on industry practices that could mitigate the phytosanitary concerns of Brazil. APHIS is in dialogue with Brazil to come to a final decision as soon as possible. Second, ASTA teams up with other key national seed associations, such as the Mexican Seed Association (AMSAC) and the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), and regional associations, including the Seed Association of the Americas (SAA), the Asian Pacific Seed Association (APSA) and the International Seed Federation (ISF) to address phytosanitary issues at the international level. "We advocate a strategy to work with and through governments to get seed issues on the table," notes Andrew LaVigne, ASTA's president and CEO. "If seed associations work together to bring the same issues simultaneously to their respective governments, governments will often place higher priority on these issues." It is critical that the seed industry through its respective associations develop and maintain close working relationships and open lines of communication with the appropriate governmental officials. Building these types of relationships and addressing such issues were some of the themes at the recent SAA Congress held in Sept. 2009, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Third, ASTA provides leadership in the development of international standards urgently needed to resolve seed phytosanitary problems. For example, ASTA was instrumental in the reconstitution of the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) Seed Panel. Dunkle is the U.S. seed industry representative on that panel. The panel's first priority is to develop a NAPPO standard on seed re-export that will facilitate re-export of seeds among the NAPPO countries (Canada, Mexico and the U.S.). ASTA also works with NAPPO and SAA to encourage NAPPO's South American counterpart, Comite de Sanidad Vegetal del Cono Sur (COSAVE), to likewise develop an equivalent seed re-export standard. Additionally, the NAPPO Seed Panel will develop standards to solve other phytosanitary problems in the areas of diagnostic testing for phytosanitary pests and pest risk assessment. ASTA has joined efforts with APHIS and other seed associations to revise the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards 7 and 12 dealing with phytosanitary certification to help solve some of the re-export problems. "Unfortunately, these standards will not go far enough and probably will not be considered for adoption by the IPPC until 2012 at the earliest," notes Dunkle. "We have been collaborating with APHIS to get the IPPC to develop a separate, stand-alone standard for international seed movement. It is only with such a standard will we have a level playing field worldwide for seed trade." This request will be up for adoption at the next IPPC annual meeting in Rome scheduled for March 2010. In the meantime, in the absence of needed international standards, ASTA continues on many fronts to help member companies move seed internationally. Efforts to help resolve specific shipment issues are ongoing. Dunkle notes, "Whenever your company has a problem with a shipment, please let us know. In many cases, ASTA can intervene and get the right folks in the U.S. and abroad involved to get timely resolution." As an interim approach to addressing re-export, Dunkle has held discussions with APHIS to explore negotiating bilateral and multilateral agreements on re-export with key countries. Several countries where re-export is also an issue have expressed an interest in this approach. "If we can get one or two agreements negotiated, they will serve as models for other countries to follow and will also be useful in developing the needed standards," said Marcus McElvaine, export specialist with APHIS. ASTA will also maintain their efforts to organize and sponsor phytosanitary workshops which bring together industry and government officials to develop relationships, communicate issues and concerns and craft strategies to solve the many and varied problems. "This is an exciting time to be involved in the seed business internationally. What ASTA is providing is a way to move forward in this very challenging arena," notes Moore. "We are now beginning to make major progress." Indiana Native Named Director of Communications for ASTA ASTA recently named Julie Douglas, of Lafayette, Ind., as the director of communications. "We are very excited to have Julie join our team," said Andrew LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA. "She brings great practical experience with the innovations and technology driving today's production agriculture. Julie will be a great asset to our organization." In her new role, Douglas will be responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing ASTA's communications strategies to promote the policies and activities of the seed industry. Douglas will assume full responsibilities Jan. 4. "It's a unique time for agriculture in general, and especially for the seed industry," Douglas said. "In my new role, I'll work to share agriculture's story, with emphasis placed on the benefits of quality seed, the continuous innovations within the industry and how the members of the American Seed Trade Association are involved." A native of Flat Rock, Ind., Douglas was born and raised on a progressive family farm where she worked many long hours in the fields and barns. "Julie understands agriculture and the challenges we face from a firsthand experience," LaVigne said. "I'm confident that her knowledge and understanding will not only help us better communicate with our core constituencies, but also help communicate the seed industry's message." Currently, Douglas works in the Department of Agricultural Communications at Purdue University as the editor and writer for Ag Answers, delivering production ag news from Purdue and Ohio State University to help farmers make better business decisions. Prior to working at Purdue, she served as a writer for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. She is a Purdue graduate and holds a bachelor's of science degree with emphasis on agricultural communications and animal science.
Cutting-Edge Education at ASTA's CSS 2009 & Seed Expo! CSS 2009, representing the 64th Corn & Sorghum Seed Research Conference and the 39th Soybean Seed Research Conference, is the largest annual gathering of seed professionals in the country. Convention programming has been designed with the best return on investment in mind. CSS 2009 kicks off on Wed., Dec. 9, with the ASTA Biotechnology Committee meeting featuring a panel discussion of participants in the Pilot Project of the Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS). BQMS is a voluntary compliance assistance program by Biotechnology Regulatory Services of USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service to help develop sound quality management practices. The Soybean Seed Research Conference Sessions examine both the stimuli and hindrances of improving yields. The ASTA Intellectual Property Rights Committee will discuss possible policy recommendations for the disposition of seeds after the expiration of plant variety protection and updates from the International Seed Federation on developments at the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Also on Wednesday is the Production and Industry Workshop presentation by trade show veteran Fred Fox of the Exhibitor Institute, guiding you through steps you need to be taking at conventions and trade shows to get the best ROI. Thursday's Joint General Session begins with an Agriculture Economic Outlook program featuring experts from Doane Advisory Services and USDA's Office of the Chief Economist, followed by new and cutting edge reports from a variety of small biotechnology firms working on the new advancements coming down the pipeline from the U.S to Europe and even in China! Finally, the Corn & Sorghum Research Sessions examine advancements in corn breeding, effective nitrogen use and "the low-down" on roots. Don't miss out on the timeliest and most informative meeting of the seed industry - register today at the CSS 2009 & Seed Expo Web site! Media Opportunities Offered at CSS 2009 CSS 2009 & Seed Expo will once again offer a Media Room on Dec. 10-11. The exclusive use space is being made available to media attending the event and will also accommodate press events for ASTA member companies. Press events will be scheduled at the request of ASTA members on a first come, first serve basis. Members can also use the Media Room to distribute press releases or other information that may be of interest. To enhance the media's experience at this important seed industry event, ASTA has equipped the room with free access to wireless Internet, a phone line, work space, informational materials and beverage service. ASTA members interested in holding a press event or in supplying information in the Media Room should contact Gretchen Flanley. Registration Opens for ASTA's 49th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Click here to register for the 49th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference to be held Jan. 23-26, 2010, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa. This year's conference retains the traditional Saturday to Tuesday pattern and offers up to 50 locations for exhibit booths or reserved appointment tables in the Trading Room. Attendees will find a comprehensive education program addressing biotechnology, organic production, intellectual property protection and more, including a special general session featuring a study by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) that follows up on work by the late Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Norman Borlaug. Take advantage of the special events and outings available in conjunction with the conference. ASTA's own "Viva Las Vegas Welcome Reception" on Sunday, Jan. 24, sponsored by Syngenta Seed Care, will feature food, fun and networking as well as an opportunity to support the First the Seed Foundation with some Vegas-style fun. This year's "ASTA Gives Back" will provide volunteers for a special community outreach project at Springs Preserve, and the ASTA Golf Tournament will be held at TPC Las Vegas. Register now for the conference and reserve your hotel room (using password ASTA) at the special group rate. For more information, contact Jennifer Lord. Check Out ASTA's Facebook Page! What's New... Who attended the Farm & Lawn Seed Conference in Kansas City and what did you think? Visit the CSS 2009 & Seed Expo Web site to become a fan of ASTA on Facebook and join the discussion! ASTA's Farm & Lawn Seed Conference Draws a Crowd ASTA's 55th Farm & Lawn Seed Conference, held in conjunction with the Western Seed Association Annual Convention, was held in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 8-9. The two-day meeting was full. The Farm Seed Division received presentations on DNA markers in grass seed production by Dr. Shaun Bushman of Utah State University and breeding cool season forage grasses by Dr. Sam Stratton of FFR Coop. The Lawn Seed Division, in addition to general business and state and regional association updates, provided sessions on new California rules on plant variety protection labeling notations by Ruben Arias of the California Department of Food & Agriculture and a profile of programs by lawn care companies by Bill Norris of Reinders. A special session featured an overview by Dana Peterson of Kansas Wheat Commission of the wheat industry's goal to increase production and a wheat industry pipeline presentation by Ron Uehland of Westbred LLC. ASTA's Environmental and Conservation Seed and Invasive Species Committees also convened with good attendance to discuss, review and position the groups for the future. The Environmental and Conservation Seed members reviewed the successful 2009 workshop which brought together 18 seed industry representatives to USDA headquarters, the Environmental Protection Agency and Congress. Ideas for the 2010 workshop are now being discussed and the theme is expected to include opportunities and programs affecting seed buys for transportation and forest programs. Invasive Species Committee attendees heard about the activities of the National Invasive Species Advisory Council. The council is working on a number of initiatives that directly affect and impact the seed industry, in particular, an energy/invasive species paper. The session concluded with a roundtable on state activities including reports from various members on state advisory boards and initiatives. Special thanks to the conference program sponsors: Curtis & Curtis, Inc.; Brett Young Seeds, Ltd.; Ernst Conservation Seeds; and Preferred Seed Co. as well as the exhibitors from Taylor Products; SGS and Weaver Seed of Oregon. Congress Hears Testimony on the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources On Nov. 10, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to discuss a number of treaties, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, which has been endorsed by the ASTA Board of Directors. The hearing is a key first step in the ratification process, which requires Senate ratification by a two-thirds affirmative majority. Many within ASTA's membership, including the board and Executive Committee, have worked tirelessly to educate and inform the agricultural community and two federal administrations on the merits of the Treaty and its effect on the plant breeding community, the seed industry and American agriculture. ASTA's Intellectual Property Rights Committee has played a significant role by supplying representatives to serve as observers and advisors to USDA and the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The active participation of ASTA's membership has ensured that the seed industry's experience and guidance were included in key provisions, including the Standard Material Transfer Agreement. Senator Edward Kaufman (D-DE), who chaired the hearing, recognized the support of ASTA, and his opening statement provided insight and support for ratification. Two questions Kaufman directed at the DOS witness focused on access to germplasm, especially in times of disease and pest challenges and the importance of bringing new varieties to market which could possibly increase production in marginal and fragile acres here at home and around the world. The next step is for the full Senate Foreign Relations Committee to review the findings of this hearing and hopefully, advance the Treaty to the Senate floor for a vote. November General Elections Impact States The dust has settled a bit since the general elections held in early November. Republicans gained a little momentum in the states back from last year's losses, but that pendulum swing was expected. It is unsure whether that is an indication that voters will expand the GOP's positions in the spring and summer primaries. The gubernatorial wins in Virginia and New Jersey were significant victories for the Republicans. Chris Christie became the first Republican governor in New Jersey in a dozen years, while Bob McDonnell's victory ended eight years of Democrats in the Virginia governor's office. Interestingly enough, state propositions to limit government spending generally failed nationwide. As an example, Maine and Washington voted down propositions that would have imposed state and local government spending caps and required voter approval for future tax increases. Additionally, a new report by the Pew Center on the economic outlook for states does not look particularly sunny for about half of the country. Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin top the list of states with the greatest economic woes. On the other side of the coin, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming seem to have the best circumstances to recover quickly from the recession. APSA Celebrates 15th Anniversary ASTA members and staff attended the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA) Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov. 9-11, to help APSA celebrate the 15th anniversary as a regional seed association. With close to 1,000 participants representing the Asia Pacific and global seed industry, APSA's Annual Congress was a great success. ASTA and APSA announced that the two organizations will collaborate on a seed quality education project in 2010. ASTA's Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices has been a valuable tool for the U.S. industry, and ASTA and APSA are committed to adapting the guide to provide a comparable resource for countries in the Asia Pacific region. "ASTA has a long history of partnership with APSA that has proved beneficial for both associations' membership and regional stakeholders," said ASTA Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols. "We look forward to continuing this cooperation to address the important message of seed quality in the global marketplace." For more information, please contact Lisa Nichols. Canadian Food Inspection Agency Publishes Guidelines for Plants with Novel Traits In Canada, the Seeds Act, administered by the Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), provides authority to regulate the quality, testing, inspection and sale of seed in Canada. "Seed" is defined in the Seeds Act as "any part of any species belonging to the plant kingdom, represented, sold or used to grow a plant." Part V of the Seeds Regulations, "Release of Seed," sets out the regulatory requirements for both the confined and unconfined environmental release of seed not substantially equivalent to seed already existing in Canada, such as plants with novel traits (PNTs). This guidance by the CFIA is intended to assist breeders, developers and importers of new plant lines ("proponents") in determining if their plant is regulated under Part V of the Seeds Regulations prior to its environmental release (i.e., whether a developer must notify CFIA's Plant Biosafety Office (PBO) of an intended to release of a plant into the environment). On behalf of the California Seed Association, Wayne Gale of Stokes Seeds compiled the following Internet links which provide the actual directive, a sample work sheet to determine if a plant is a PNT and a sample evaluation of powdery mildew resistance in CDC Mozart field pea.
Nov. 12. A group of government officials, print media and trade representatives from South Africa, Mozambique and Mauritius came to ASTA's office to discuss biotechnology and the seed industry. ASTA President and CEO Andy Lavigne, Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky and Manager International and Domestic Programs Anna Burks met with the group about the importance of effective government policies to promote and support innovation in the seed sector. Learn More about ISU's Online Seed Technology and Business Graduate Program The Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) at Iowa State University (ISU) provides a unique opportunity for seed professionals to grow through the understanding of both science and technology that is key to the seed industry and broadly applicable business subjects. The science and technology component of the Master of Science program includes basic science courses in crop improvement, seed pathology and seed physiology, and more specific work in seed technology: seed production, conditioning, and quality. The business component covers basic management topics, including accounting and finance, strategy and planning, management information systems, marketing and supply chain management. There is also a unique course on seed trade, policy and regulation. STB is a cooperative program between the College of Business and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at ISU. Managers with awareness of basic business skills stand a better chance of making choices that will lead to efficient business process, linking seed businesses and seed organizations to clients. STB also offers Graduate Certificates in Seed Science and Technology and in Seed Business Management. These certificates share courses with the Master's program. The next group will begin July 2010. For additional information contact: Dr. Paul Christensen (Tel: 515-294-8745, Email: intlcorn@iastate.edu) or visit http://www.seedgrad.iastate.edu/index.htm.
Government Reports USDA
USDA/ARS
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.
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129th Annual Convention • 2011 Farm & Lawn Seed Conf. • CSS 2011 & Seed Expo • 51st Vegetable & Flower Seed Conf. |