News Releases

DATE:	March 2, 2010
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Seed workshop to help develop land reclamation, restoration, rehabilitation policy

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Seed Trade Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will team up March 23 to offer their annual Conservation Seed Workshop in Washington, D.C.
The workshop is designed for seed companies with a stake in the government’s conservation and environmental programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program, explained Leslie Cahill, vice president of government affairs for the American Seed Trade Association.
“Our members sell more than 70 percent of the seed for land restoration after forest fires and for highway beautification projects,” she said. “This workshop gives industry representatives an opportunity to talk openly with decision-makers about the types of seeds needed and the parameters surrounding them.”
The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. with a brief welcome at USDA headquarters. Business will begin at 9:20 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
“Our goal is to help seed companies provide the right product at the right place at the right time,” Cahill said. “We have allotted ample time for interactive discussions to address industry challenges and identify solutions.”
Participants will meet with officials from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NRCS. All five of these agencies play a role in land reclamation, restoration and rehabilitation.
Lunch will be in the Secretary’s Dining Room and a Department of Navy representative will share their perspective and details about the Navy’s strategic commitment to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
The afternoon program will include discussions about decisions on plant species, CRP and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
There is no charge to attend the workshop; however, preregistration is requested by March 15 to get the necessary approval for admittance into USDA. Preregister by contacting Cahill at 703-837-8140 or lcahill@amseed.org with the individual’s name, company and contact information. Registrants may reserve a room at the Lorien Hotel, located in Alexandria, Va., for a discounted rate of $199 per night before March 5 by calling 877-956-7436. Be sure to ask for the ASTA fly-in rate.
“Participation is important because it’s the only forum where we have exposure to briefings and interaction with key decision-makers and leadership during an election year,” Cahill said. “They will truly be contributing to agriculture, innovation, conservation, energy and stewardship.”
The meeting is held in conjunction with ASTA’s Advocacy Matters 2010 Workshop and participants can choose to participate in either one of the programs or both.
Group briefings have been set up March 24 with representatives from the Senate Agriculture Committee and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and with the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.
Cahill encourages attendees to conduct Capitol Hill visits and meet with their Congressman and two Senators. If interested, the ASTA team will help registrants make appointments with the appropriate individuals. Registrants can get started by visiting http://www.house.gov and filling out the zip code form, which will lead them to their representative’s Web site.
All registrants will receive a briefing packet prior to the meetings and will be properly informed on the issues, Cahill said.
For questions and additional information about the Conservation Seed Workshop, contact Cahill at 703-837-8140 or lcahill@amseed.org.
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Writer: Julie Douglas, 703-837-8140, jdouglas@amseed.org.

Source: Leslie Cahill, 703-837-8140, lcahill@amseed.org.

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