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January 15, 2010
As we head into 2010, I want to extend to you on behalf of the American Seed Trade Association team, our best wishes for a joyous and prosperous New Year. We are truly part of an industry facing immense opportunities and responsibilities, as well as interesting challenges. Through your support and participation in ASTA activities, I know we will address those issues in a manner beneficial to all sectors of the seed industry. One of our many responsibilities is telling the story of our industry. We need to tell it to whomever will listen, or it will be told for us and most likely, we won't like their version. During the holiday season, I had that opportunity on a ski lift out West. I was riding up the mountain with a man who owns an e-business and formally worked in the information technology industry. When he asked me what I do for a living, I said I work for companies producing seed. His response was, "You mean like they talk about in the movie Food, Inc?" Then he went on to ask me if we were the people "making farmers buy seed every year instead of saving it." After many interesting questions, I explained that the seed industry is technologically advanced and related it to the evolution of the computer industry. I shared with him new breeding techniques and methods allowing us to analyze and improve varieties at a much faster rate than before. Then I took it a step further. I related the new technology to farmers improving yields, which means more food for the United States and the world. I also shared that seed companies, much like technology companies, must recoup their investments so they can reinvest in research and development of new techniques, varieties, traits and coatings. This holds true for all sectors of the industry - conventional, biotech and organic. Lastly, I related our world to his and said, "Today's plant breeding is a highly technical process. We consider the seed to be the Intel chip inside the plant, which makes the plant hardier and more productive." At the top of the mountain, he thanked me and said, "I now better understand what you all are doing and will look at future articles or movies bashing today's agricultural industry with a more balanced eye." He thanked me and headed off to the double black-diamond slope and I moved off to the blue one. We have to be the industry's cheerleaders. It's critical to talk with local organizations, your child's class and local media. We need to showcase what we do and explain how America's farmers are leading the way in technological adoption and producing the bounty we enjoy. Don't let the message be one-sided or the results will be disappointing. Thank you for your support and let us know how we can help you.
American Seed Trade Association seeking ambassadors to represent industry The American Seed Trade Association’s First-the-Seed Foundation is looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals who are willing to volunteer their time and share their perspectives with local schools and civic organizations. “Ambassadors, essentially tell the story of the seeds and the seed industry through student and adult educational programs,” said Ann Jorss, program manager and ASTA vice president of finance and administration. “There is a need to get students interested in careers dealing with plants and science. The ongoing need for better seeds to produce more food, feed, fiber and fuel requires a work force of highly trained individuals to fill a variety of interesting jobs.” Ambassadors will be given a presentation and informational handouts for use to help educate and inform local groups about the seed industry. Interested individuals should contact Jorss at 703-837-8140 or ajorss@amseed.org for more information and an application. Ambassadors will be a resource for students and others who are seeking accurate, reliable information about the seed industry, seed science and industry careers, Jorss said. They will be charged with the mission of explaining that seeds are the foundation of human and animal life on Earth from the food consumed to the fiber in clothing and fuel for transportation. First-the-Seed Foundation is designed to conduct education, outreach and communication about the value of crops and food produced from seeds. For more information about the foundation, visit http://www.firsttheseedfoundation.org.
Seasoned seed industry leaders shared career lessons during panel discussion Three seed executives sat down in Chicago to offer career advice with the Future Seed Executives (FuSE), a committee led by the American Seed Trade Association designed to help prepare young professionals for executive roles within the seed industry. The panel was comprised of Jerry Monk, ASTA chairman, Board of Directors; Craig Newman, ASTA regional vice president; and Tim Johnson, ASTA representative, International Seed Federation’s Board of Directors. FuSE Chairman Bob Yaklich and Vice-Chairman Kim Boccardi moderated the panel discussion. The panel shared their career history; mistakes they’ve made; their successes, and offered advice for individuals new to the industry. In addition, each panelist emphasized the importance of being involved in organizations such as ASTA. “The panelists were very positive and encouraging to young professionals in the seed industry,” Yaklich said. “Their experience and guidance is unmatched in the field.” FuSE members also had the opportunity to network with other young professionals, attend the Seed Expo and learn the latest on phytosanitary issues and biotechnology. Gearing up for 2010, the FuSE Committee had a conference call last week and formed new subcommittees to help with member communications and recruitment.
Additional information about FuSE is available at http://www.amseed.org or by sending an email to info@futureseedexecutives.com. Budgets remain primary focus of states The 2010 state legislatures are starting to come together, with the focus of most on balancing budgets. “It’s all about the budget,” said Pat Miller, director of State Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association. “Combined, the states are expected to face a deficit of $180 billion for fiscal year 2011. “Collections from sales taxes, property taxes and income taxes are down due to economic conditions. Meanwhile, service expenses, such as unemployment payments, Medicaid and food subsidies are up.” ASTA monitors all bills filed by the individual state legislatures on behalf of the seed industry. It coordinates action as needed with state and regional associations. Pre-files thus far are overwhelmingly leaning toward budget issues, Miller said. Miller has identified a few bills that feature seed. It’s too early to tell whether those particular bills are expected to move through the adoption process,” he said. “State government is a funny thing. “Something new occasionally comes up, but most of the legislation introduced addresses the same issues as past sessions, like labeling, liability or limits on genetic engineering. Interestingly enough, some of the failed proposals from one state will show up in another state with the exact same language.” Seed E-News will provide details on legislative proposals this spring. ASTA staff shared seed industry's message with AFBF convention attendees American Farm Bureau Federation held its 91st annual convention in Seattle, Wash., Jan. 10-13. Staff from the American Seed Trade Association traveled to help spread the efforts and advancements of the seed industry. The conference theme, “Passage to Success” is a reference to the fabled Northwest Passage. A number of issues sessions provided opportunities for participants to hear the latest developments on the nation’s federal debt, global warming, market signals and technology. Leslie Cahill, ASTA vice president of government affairs, and Pat Miller, ASTA director of state affairs, joined nearly 70 other organizations and set up a booth in the exhibitors’ area. ASTA’s booth had a “Name that Seed” contest. Seven types of seed were provided along with humorous hints including: “Shuck” for corn, “In a pickle” for cucumber, and “Nacho ordinary seed” for pepper. Cahill said several hundred attendees stopped by the booth to test their knowledge and pick up a pamphlet about the seed industry.
Potential for New York Associations to Merge Pat Miller, American Seed Trade Association director of State Affairs, spoke as part of a panel presentation on industry issues at the New York State Agribusiness Association's (NYSABA) convention Jan. 5 in Auburn, N.Y. The New York Seed Association and the NYSABA are in discussions to merge the two associations. Top 10 not to miss events at 49th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference American Seed Trade Association will convene for the 49th annual Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference from Jan. 23-26 in Las Vegas, Nev. With more than 600 expected attendees from the seed industry and a sold-out trading room floor. This convention is ASTA’s fastest growing event, setting new records. Get the most value from your convention attendance and hit the top 10! 10. Viva Las Vegas! The bright lights and warm weather of Las Vegas will serve as a back drop to ASTA's Viva Las Vegas Welcome Reception, sponsored by Syngenta Seed Care, with food, fun and an excellent networking opportunity for you and your colleagues. The spirit of Lady Luck will be smiling on you and your business at the Jan. 24 reception from 6-7:30 p.m. 9. Improve your golf game. Join in the fun at the Vegetable & Flower Golf Tournament, which will be held on Jan. 23 at the TPC Las Vegas - just five minutes from our host hotel. Highly rated by several golf publications, this top-notch course is one of only two in Nevada to achieve the "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" designation. Golfers will depart at 7 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $185 per person and includes a continental breakfast and lunch at the golf course. 8. Become a communitarian. Lend a helping hand on Jan. 24 for the continuation of the "ASTA Gives Back" program. Volunteers will assist the Spring Preserves Horticultural team with collecting seed in the Preserve's Conservation Garden, then learn step-by-step how to clean, document and prepare seeds for storage until they are planted in the greenhouse. 7. Learn a new trade. Get a year's worth of business done in four days by visiting the sold out Trading Room to learn about new products and services offered by ASTA members and suppliers to the seed industry. 6. Check out ASTA's new trade show booth and learn about upcoming events, training opportunities and resources that will help further your business and the U.S. seed industry. 5. Did someone say "Free food?" Visit the ASTA Associates Division Meeting on Jan. 25 for a luncheon, open to all ASTA Associates Division members. The Associates Division serves to represent seed industry suppliers, working to facilitate communication between ASTA, its exhibitors and non-exhibiting Associate members to maximize the value of ASTA membership. Bring a new supplier attendee to the meeting and receive a special gift. 4. Be on the cutting edge. This conference offers dynamic breakout sessions on issues important to the seed industry. ASTA's Organic Committee will welcome guest speaker Zea Sonneband, California Certified Organic Growers Director of Policy, Jan. 24. The following day, the Phytosanitary Committee will feature presentations on import/export issues and the potential impacts of I-PIPE to the vegetable seed industry. Check the conference program for a complete schedule. 3. Delve deep! The Vegetable & Flower Seed Division Meeting, to be held Jan. 26, will spotlight specialty crops research opportunities. Featured speakers include Allen Van Deynze, University of California-Davis, and Mary Zischke, California Leafy Greens Research Program. 2. Be among the first to carry on an industry legacy. The opening General Session will showcase an updated paper titled "U.S. Agricultural Policy for the Twenty-first Century Global Economy" by the late Dr. Norman Borlaug, a pioneer of the industry who passed away this past year. The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology will present the paper. 1. Facebook could learn a thing or two from ASTA conference attendees! The four days of networking and educational programming are designed to help you efficiently reach your personal and organizational business goals. Plan time to meet new people and reconnect with industry movers and shakers. Visit http://www.amseed.org/mtg_vegflo10_intro.asp for the latest information.
World Seed Congress registration changes The registration procedure for the International Seed Federation's 2010 World Seed Congress has slightly changed from previous years. Individuals who intend to register on site must have a signed declaration from their national seed association. Without such a declaration, individuals will not be permitted to register. The ISF emphasizes that all attendees must be a member of their national seed association. For U.S. companies, it is the American Seed Trade Association. Questions about registration and additional information should be directed to Marcel Bruins at +41 22 365 44 20 or http://www.worldseed.org.
ISF Post-Congress seminar targets adventitious presence/low level presence The International Seed Federation has once again organized a post-Congress seminar for the 2010 World Seed Congress in Calgary, Canada, to be held June 3. This year's seminar, "Adventitious Presence/Low Level Presence: Impact on the International Seed Trade," will provide information on international and regional efforts to develop government policies for adventitious presence/low level presence (AP/LLP) in seed. Participants will hear different seed sectors' perspectives on the issue.
Register for the 23rd annual ASTA Management Academy American Seed Trade Association has partnered with the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University to offer the 23rd annual ASTA Management Academy. The Academy is a management development seminar designed specifically for seed industry professionals. The program will take place March 2-5, on Purdue University's campus in West Lafayette, Ind. The program was created for both experienced decision makers and those new to the industry. It features a structured exploration of essential management topics and skills, including marketing management, organizational leadership, financial management and strategic management. The program curriculum has a leading-edge managerial foundation with a focus on the seed industry-a balance that will both broaden and deepen participants' perspectives. The ASTA Management Academy not only offers an in-depth look at issues facing the seed industry, but is 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 will 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. Visit the ASTA Management Academy Web site for additional information and to register.
Genetic Technology "SUPERWORKSHOP" Society of Commercial Seed Technologists will hold five workshops on genetic seed testing Feb. 1-5 at Iowa State University's Seed Science Center in Ames, Iowa. Registration costs $100 per person for the first workshop and $50 for each additional workshop, which includes breaks and lunch. For questions and registration information, visit http://www.seedtechnology.net/workshops.htm. The workshops are organized by the SCST Genetic Technology Committee Working Groups.
Applications for Plant Breeding Academy sought University of California-Davis is taking applications for two Plant Breeding Academy (PBA) programs, one at UC-Davis and one in Europe. Assistant breeders, seed production personnel, line breeders and trait integration personnel who lack the academic background needed to advance as breeders are encouraged to apply. The program, which is not crop specific, teaches the basics of plant breeding, genetics and statistics through lectures, discussion and field trips to public and private breeding programs. This certificate course has less breadth, but more depth than a master's degree in plant breeding. Employers appreciate the opportunity to provide their valued employees advanced training without disrupting their full-time employment. Participants attend six 6-day sessions during a 20-month period. The instructors are internationally recognized experts in plant breeding and seed technology. To date, 38 agricultural professionals from 12 countries have participated in the first two classes of this program. Class III of the PBA will begin Sept. 13. The sessions will all be held in Davis, Calif. UC-Davis is partnering with European seed companies, institutions and associations to offer the European Plant Breeding Academy which will be held in France, The Netherlands, Spain, Germany and UC-Davis. Class I of the European PBA will begin March 8. "I recently received a significant promotion within the alfalfa breeding program in my company 18 months after my graduation from the UC-Davis Plant Breeding Academy," said Dan Gardner of Dairyland Seed Company, USA. "My promotion was directly linked to my participation in this program. "The Academy training gave me the knowledge and skills to advance my career. I was able to keep my job, attend the six training sessions and advance my career without taking two years off to earn a master's degree in plant breeding." Class size is limited to 20 to ensure individualized instruction. Visit http://pba.ucdavis.edu to apply. For questions and additional information, contact Joy Patterso, program representative, at jpatterson@ucdavis.edu.
Special Occasion ASTA would like to congratulate their director of Meetings and Services Jennifer Lord, now Lord-Crouse, on her marriage. She married Jeff Crouse Dec. 28 in Oxon Hill Manor, Maryland. The couple will reside in Springfield, Va.
PRO Seeds of Canada hires new general manager The board of directors of PRO Seeds of Canada is pleased to announce that Tim Welbanks has accepted the position of general manager. Welbanks has an extensive seed industry background and a wealth of experience in both crop agronomy and the seed business. His responsibilities will include day-to-day operations and an increased emphasis on business development. PRO Seeds of Canada is a 100 percent Canadian-owned company. Its shareholders are seed growers, processors and exporters who remain involved with variety selection, marketing and long term strategies for the company. PRO Seeds of Canada looks forward to servicing its customers by providing a high-quality product via competitive programs and reliable service, resulting in additional revenue for the customer. Welbanks can be contacted at 888-537-5157 or twelbanks@proseeds.ca.
Kansas Wheat Alliance announces new president Kansas Wheat Alliance announced that Daryl Strouts has accepted the position of president, and will begin Feb. 15. In this position, he will be the chief staff executive, responsible for all operations. He has been serving as the interim KWA executive for the past 18 months as part of his duties for the Kansas Crop Improvement Association. Strouts grew up on a certified seed production farm in Morris County, Kansas. He began working for KCIA as a K-State student in 1981 when he became a certified seed field inspector and seed analyst. In 1983 he accepted the full-time position of field services supervisor, later being promoted to assistant director, and in 1998 to executive director. "I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of leading this new organization amid the recent excitement to integrate biotech traits into wheat," Strouts said. "KWA is going to play an important role by continuing to provide producers access to superior wheat varieties and utilizing seed certification for quality assurance." KWA is a non-profit organization founded by Kansas State University, wheat producers and seed producer stakeholder groups, whose primary purpose is to commercialize wheat varieties developed by K-State and support wheat variety related research. More information about KWA is available at http://www.kswheatalliance.org.
Please Remember Friends of the Industry Jim Roberston
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. |