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January 14 , 2009
Seed Industry Outlines Goals for Research, Education and Policy. As the seed industry gathered in Chicago for the American Seed Trade Association's (ASTA) 2008 Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference (CSS 2008) and Seed Expo in December 2008, attendees were fully aware of the complicated dynamics and vulnerabilities of the global food supply and distribution network. The agricultural markets of the last two years provided strong evidence with soaring commodity prices, record low levels of carry over stocks and unprecedented government intervention to restrict or ban exports, which all contributed to concerns about basic food supplies to the growing world's population. Study upon study by international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and other experts paint a picture of projected unprecedented growth in global demand for cereals, as well as other staples, in the coming decades as incomes rise, placing added pressure on the need for food, feed, fiber and fuel. The availability of high quality seed is required for the world's farmers to have the best possible chance for producing high yielding, valuable crops. A major factor in providing high quality seed is continued genetic improvement of crops through research and breeding. The first American Seed Research Summit, held Sept. 25-26, 2008, brought together leaders in public and private sector seed research to outline a strategic plan to help address the various hurdles facing seed research - training and education, funding, research trends, prioritization and public-private partnerships. The summit, convened by ASTA, the American Seed Research Foundation (ASRF) and the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders (NCCPB), was an opportunity to find solutions and build resourceful partnerships so critical to bringing continued seed innovation and technology which plays a vital role in meeting this growing demand. On Dec. 10, at the CSS 2008, ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne, in conjunction with ASRF President Rob Robinson and NCCPB Past President Fritz Behr, unveiled the white paper resulting from the September summit entitled, "Strategic Research, Education and Policy Goals for Seed and Crop Improvement." Today, research and development in plant breeding are conducted in both the public and private sectors. The summit organizers made a conscious effort to balance different constituencies and crops in order to reach a broad consensus on the most pressing issues impacting seed research and policy that must be addressed to enable agriculture to meet future demands in a sustainable manner. The white paper outlines a summary of five prioritized strategic goals and some discussion and analysis of how to achieve these goals. "The goals outlined by the summit participants are encompassed in ASTA's strategic plan," remarked LaVigne. "ASTA leadership is committed to placing even more emphasis in these specific areas, articulating better our position and needs for the seed industry and working together with our public and private partners to advance research, education and policy that enables continued seed innovation and technology required to meet the growing global demand on agricultural production." LaVigne continued, "This paper is meant to guide all of us involved in the seed industry, both public and private. It is critical that we work together to bring the highest quality seed to farmers around the world." The five strategic goals are as follows:
The American Seed Research Summit represents an important initial step in mobilizing the scientific and educational resources of the U.S. to address the food and energy challenges of the future. The seed industry can achieve dramatic improvements in crop productivity and quality while reducing inputs and promoting sustainability. The immediate challenge for seed industry stakeholders is ensuring resources are available to fully harness the knowledge, research and technology necessary to achieve the task at hand. For more information on the American Seed Research Summit or to download a copy of the white paper, "Strategic Research, Education and Policy Goals for Seed and Crop Improvement," please visit the link on ASTA's Web site. ASTA's 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Full of Opportunity! ASTA's upcoming 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, being held Feb. 7-10 in Tampa, Fla., is full of opportunities for participants. The venue has been designed for attendees to easily network while receiving the latest information on issues to prepare businesses for the future. In addition to the conference's various ASTA topical committee meetings, the General Session and the Vegetable & Flower Seed Division meeting anchor the convention programming with a wealth of current and relevant industry information. The General Session will open with a presentation on the biotech research pipeline both domestically and internationally for this segment of the seed industry, followed by a dynamic talk provided by Mark Faust of Echelon Management International on building sales and profitability for a business during these trying economic times. The session will conclude with an overview of how companies can contribute to Seed Programs, Inc. which aims to reduce global hunger through seed distributions and extension efforts. The Vegetable & Flower Seed Division meeting then explores various aspects of biotechnology and related issues. The meeting features a panel that will provide an introduction to quality management tools available to assist companies in developing stewardship best practices for products derived from biotechnology. The International Food Information Council will offer a perspective on the marketing of biotech products. Updates on developments in the International Seed Federation's Vegetable & Flower GM Task Force as well as other relevant ASTA committees wrap up the session. For more information on the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, please visit the event's Web site. Seed Industry Reaches Out to Ronald McDonald House. On Feb. 8, "ASTA Gives Back" will continue with an exciting three-way partnership between ASTA, Seed Programs, Inc. (SPI) and the Ronald McDonald Charities of Tampa, host city of ASTA's 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference. A community-service program, "ASTA Gives Back" debuted in 2008 at the last Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference in New Orleans. Convention attendees will be offered the opportunity to lend a landscaping hand at the Serenity Garden of the Ronald McDonald House to beautify the area for its residents. The Ronald McDonald House, which offers temporary affordable housing for families whose children are hospitalized, will also conduct a special promotional campaign to commemorate Mother's Day by distributing packets of marigold flower seeds to donors, supporters and former residents. SPI, a non-profit organization who donates seed worldwide to developing nations in need, has partnered with ASTA to provide these seed packets for the project. Many ASTA members have contributed to SPI, and this "ASTA Gives Back" partnership provides a new opportunity for ongoing collaboration and community spirit. More information can be found on the project's Web site. Volunteers can sign-up through their conference registration or by contacting Jennifer Lord. Sponsorship and seed donation opportunities for both of the above projects are available. To support the project as a sponsor or to provide a marigold flower seed donation to SPI, visit the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference sponsorship page or contact Jennifer Lord at the ASTA office for more information. Deadline for Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Exhibits and Sponsorships Approaches. The deadline for exhibit and sponsorship opportunities for ASTA's 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, being held Feb. 7-10 in Tampa, Fla., is Jan. 16. Exhibits are located within the conference's popular Trading Room, which serves as the central meeting point for all conference networking activity, wireless Internet access and refreshments. The Trading Room offers tabletop, pop-up (free-standing) and reserved appointment table exhibit opportunities. Tabletop and pop-up exhibit registrations are available to members and non-members and include one complimentary registration to the conference. Reserved appointment tables may be reserved by ASTA member companies only and require separate attendee registration. Sponsorship opportunities include a special ASTA seed promotion for the "ASTA Gives Back" program (which this year supports the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa), continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks and more. Sponsorships include print and screen recognition for sponsoring companies at the conference. Don't miss this opportunity to get your company noticed at the fastest growing ASTA convention!
ASTA Exhibit Sees Heavy Traffic at AFBF 90th Annual Meeting. ASTA's Vice President for Government Affairs Leslie Cahill and Director of State Affairs Pat Miller attended American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) 90th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Tex., from Jan. 11-14. Over 3,500 attendees, representing state Farm Bureaus from across the nation, took part in educational sessions, competed in various contests and set policy for the coming year. ASTA's display in the trade show engaged participants with an opportunity to win prizes by correctly guessing various types of seed. The display featured materials and messages from the new ASTA Beyond the Seed program, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property protection in seed innovation and new technology. "Trade shows like Farm Bureau's annual meeting provide a great forum to introduce the American Seed Trade Association to farmers, ranchers and gardeners," said Cahill. "By reinforcing our commitment to innovation, coupled with the customer support of our members, the attendees learn more about the seed industry and its products," remarked Cahill. "ASTA has a similar mission to the Farm Bureau, and by working together, we both support our members and highlight the importance of agriculture and its contributions to the world." Management Education Program Available for Seed Industry Decision Makers. Registration will soon close for the 22nd ASTA Management Academy, set for March 3-6, 2009. Seed industry managers looking to expand their knowledge of management tools and concepts should not miss this educational opportunity, designed specifically for managing in the seed industry. The academy will be held at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Participants will explore key topics, such as marketing, business strategy, profitability management and organizational leadership. Purdue agribusiness faculty and industry experts will use real-world knowledge to cover objectives that include:
The ASTA Management Academy is a partnership between ASTA and the Purdue University Center for Food and Agricultural Business. For more information on the academy or to register, visit www.agecon.purdue.edu/cab or call Betty Jones-Bliss at 217-345-3305.
Meet Your ASTA Staff ASTA Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols joined the staff in October 2007. In this role, she is principally responsible for ASTA's international cooperator programs with USDA and other international outreach programs seeking to increase the opportunity for the global movement of seed. She also serves as the ASTA staff liaison for various ASTA committees, including International, International Executive, Organic, Seed Treatment & Environmental, as well as the Soybean Division. She also heads up the Future Seed Executives program with Jason Laney, director of membership. Prior to joining ASTA, Lisa worked as manager of biotechnology programs at the U.S. Grains Council and previously for CropLife America. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Lehigh University, where she also completed a "Semester at Sea," and a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Assessment from The American University in Washington, DC. Originally from Pennsylvania, she currently resides the District of Columbia. In her free time, Lisa likes to explore new places around the world and is currently training for her first marathon. "The diversity of ASTA's membership, partners in the U.S. and those around the world is outstanding," said Lisa. "Working with ASTA members on committees and our international programs has been an absolute pleasure and the highlight of my job with ASTA." If you have an interest in ASTA's international programs or any of the committees Lisa has responsibility for, please contact her at lnichols@amseed.org. E-Verify Worker Screening Postponed by Court Ruling. A U.S. District Court ruling in Maryland has delayed implementation of a Bush Administration rule requiring federal contractors to use the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) E-Verify system to check the immigration status of its employees, Government Executive reported on Jan. 13. The rule, originally scheduled to take effect Jan. 15, would require contractors with projects exceeding $100,000 and subcontractors with projects exceeding $3,000 to use E-Verify to authorize new employees. It has been delayed by a ruling on Jan. 9 in a case filed by five business groups that argued the government does not have authority to force companies to use a program that Congress intended to be voluntary. DHS has announced that it would postpone the rule change until Feb. 20. ASTA is closely following the immigration issues and related events affecting employers and will keep members apprised as events warrant. More information on the E-Verify worker program can be found here. ASTA Commends Vilsack on Secretary of Agriculture Nomination. At the close of 2008, President-elect Barack Obama named former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to be agriculture secretary. "The American seed industry looks forward to working with Secretary-designate Vilsack and his incoming team at USDA," said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "From his days as governor of Iowa, he brings strong support and understanding of the research and technology that drives today's seed industry. Govenor Vilsack also realizes the impact the seed industry is having and will have on the issues facing the global food supply." If confirmed by the Senate, Vilsack, 58, would be the first Iowan to lead the Agriculture Department since Henry Wallace during the Depression era. "With so many issues and opportunities affecting agriculture and the seed industry in particular, ASTA welcomes our future work with Secretary-elect Vilsack on issues ranging from trade, phytosanitary, intellectual property rights, farm bill implementation and energy, to name a few," remarked ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill. "His record as Iowa governor and familiarity with the promise of technology are positives for American agriculture." ASTA-USDA Conservation Workshop Scheduled for March 9. On March 9, ASTA members are invited to participate in the 6th Annual ASTA-USDA Conservation Workshop. This year's topics will focus on energy, conservation, farm bill implementation and new opportunities for native and non-native seed companies. Speakers will provide information on ASTA member companies' ability to participate in government procurement for various needs, including forest fire rehabilitation, conservation and stewardship programs, as well as a host of new energy and alternative fuel programs. The agenda will also include updates on opportunities with USDA and other federal government agencies through collaborations or programs, many outlined in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. ASTA's Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee members are now confirming agenda items and program focus. In addition to the workshop, ASTA staff will confirm individual appointments with House and Senate members on Tuesday, March 10 as well as a number of briefings at select federal agencies and other key stakeholders. ASTA members interested in learning more about the workshop may contact ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill. Although there is no fee, members are asked to register to assist in the assembly of materials and meeting arrangements. State Bill Filings in Progress. The state legislative sessions are beginning to start up across the country, and bills are now being filed at a fast pace. Predictably, the common discussion by all legislators is focused on budget deficits at the state level. While freshmen members, and senior lawmakers alike, want to try to push through their campaign promises, they expect to be stymied until the books can be balanced. The usual bills affecting the seed industry have been filed thus far and include labeling requirements, strict liability transfer and general GMO-directed restrictions. However, fee and tax increases, budget cuts and government service reductions can be expected. The future in the states will be interesting as history has proven that state legislatures can be very creative when their budget "backs" are against the wall. New York's Proposed Budget Would Impact Seed Industry. The proposed fiscal budget of the New York governor for approval by the state's legislature in the upcoming session would impact the seed industry. The proposal is so broad-based that virtually every aspect of business in the state is affected. Included in the offering is the creation of a brand-new seed license that comes with a fee of $0.25 per $100.00 of the company's gross annual volume sales of seed. The New York State Seed Association and ASTA will outreach to the state legislature to demonstrate that the fee is excessive and onerous and reduce it to a more reasonable amount. If passed as it now stands, the New York fees would be among the highest of all of the states. For more information, please contact Director of State Affairs Pat Miller. ASTA Holds Meeting with New Afghanistan National Seed Association. Abdul Ghafoor, a member of the Afghanistan National Seed Association (ANSA), visited ASTA on Jan. 6 to meet with International Programs staff Bernice Slutsky, Lisa Nichols and Jillian Barnett. ANSA was created on Oct. 20, 2008, with 32 founding members. Mr. Ghafoor's company, RANA SEED and Agri-business Co, is one of the founding members and initially met with ASTA representatives at the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA) Congress in Hyderabad, India, in Nov. 2008. At the meeting, ASTA learned more about the newly formed ANSA and the status of the seed industry of Afghanistan. The visit was very informative and provided an excellent opportunity to exchange information about the seed industry in both the U.S. and Afghanistan. ASTA looks forward to continued communication with ANSA. Additionally, ASTA will utilize their relationship with APSA, where ANSA is also a member, to evaluate possible coordination of capacity building and educational outreach activities in this region. Kenya Approves Biosafety Law. On Dec. 8, 2008, the Kenyan Parliament overwhelmingly passed the Biosafey Bill, a result of extensive stakeholder consultations since 2002. The bill establishes the fundamental framework to enable research and commerce of biotech products within Kenya. Minister of Agriculture William Ruto said, "The benefits arising out of the Bill are enormous. It gives this country a comprehensive and coordinated manner in which to tap benefits from research and enhance self sufficiency in food production." With presidential assent and public notification, a National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will be established which will steer regulatory approvals and decision-making in the progressing confined field trials of GM insect- resistant cotton, maize and other products to the next level of commercialization. The bill's parliamentary approval is a major milestone because of the strategic importance of Kenya in Africa and the international community. Kenya now joins other African countries that have enacted biosafety laws, including Cameroon, Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Namibia, Mali and Zimbabwe. "In order to receive the benefits of biotechnology and other agriculture innovations, it is important for countries to put policies in place that allow for the safe use of new technologies, without unduly hindering their development," says ASTA Vice President, Science and International Affairs, Bernice Slutsky. "We are please to see these policy advancements in Kenya." World Seed Congress 2009 Registration Now Open. The International Seed Federation announced the opening of registration for the World Seed Congress 2009, to be held May 25-27, in Antalya, Turkey. Hosted by the Turkey Seed Industry Association, the congress is an opportunity for discussion on the latest issues facing the global seed industry and to foster relationships around the world. Other meetings will be conducted on the fringes of the congress. For more details on the agenda and to register, visit the World Seed Congress 2009 Web site. ASTA Member Named Vice Chairman of the ISF Intellectual Property Committee. Members of the International Seed Federation (ISF) Intellectual Property Committee (IPC) Stephen Smith, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, and Harry Collins and Mike Roth, both with the Monsanto Company, participated in an IPC meeting, Jan. 8-9, in Morges, Switzerland. At this meeting, Stephen Smith was accepted as the new vice chairman of the IPC. The IPC periodically reviews position papers taken by ISF on various aspects of intellectual property protection. Currently, the IPC is discussing a 2003 ISF position on intellectual property in general. The IPC reports to the ISF Breeders Committee, and the current discussions in the IPC will move to the Breeders Committee meeting on Feb. 13, in Tampa Fla. "It is important that ASTA continue its engagement in the IPC," says Collins. "The IPC addresses many issues that are central to ASTA's strategic priorities. We are very pleased that Stephen Smith is the new vice chairman of the committee." Jan. 7-9. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne attended the National Potato Council meeting in San Antonio, Tex. LaVigne presented on the importance of the Plant Variety Protection Act to the plant breeding industry and how the development of proprietary varieties has helped the U.S. seed industry. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Potato Expo 2009 which focused on the current research and development in all sectors of the U.S. potato industry. Over 600 people participated in the meetings and expo. Jan. 8. ASTA Vice President of Science & International Affairs Bernice Slutsky and Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols met with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Officeto discuss partnering to implement training programs related to intellectual property rights in China, India, Vietnam and Africa. Jan. 7. ASTA Vice President of Science & International Affairs Bernice Slutsky participated in the AgBiotech Planning Committee (ABPC) held at American Farm Bureau Federation. The ABPC is in the process of developing its priorities and strategy for 2009. Jan. 6-7. Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade, participated in the ASTA Vegetable Tech Committee meeting on Jan. 6 in Morgan Hill, Calif. After the meeting, Dunkle and Tom Moore of Enza Seed and chairman of ASTA's Phytosanitary Committee were given a facility tour of Sakata Seed America, Inc. by Tom Day. Sakata Seed America, Inc., a major supplier of vegetable seed and ASTA member, hosted the committee meeting. On Jan. 7, Dunkle participated in a meeting of the joint American Phytosanitary Society-International Seed Federation-ASTA Pathogen Codification Committee, hosted by STA Laboratories in nearby Gilroy, Calif. This committee is working to establish a network to maintain reference collections of host (seed) differentials and pathogen strains so that claims of resistance to plant diseases can be officially validated when necessary. "Both meetings were very productive, and being there to interact directly with member company scientists and experts provided a unique opportunity to explore the issues that these folks are dealing with much more in-depth," noted Dunkle. "The Sakata facility tour was an incredible experience as well and provided another example of how complex and sophisticated the seed industry really is!" Seed Industry Loses John Scherrer. John Scherrer, 83, passed away on Nov. 25, 2008. A long time resident of Gilroy, Calif., he became president of the Pieters Wheeler Seed Company upon the death of his father. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Scherrer also finished a fifth year at Oregon State University. He enlisted in the Navy in World War II and was wounded in battle off the coast of Japan and received The Purple Heart. Representing the company in vegetable seed breeding and production around the world, in retirement Scherrer was active in his community. He leaves behind his sister Mary Joyce, his brother-in-law William Joyce, his nephew Dr. Brian Joyce, his niece Leslie Joyce Alva and her husband Michael Alva; his grandnieces Kathryn Joyce and Kelly Joyce, his grandniece Olivia Alva and grandnephew Ryan Alva. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to his family.
Gaillardia F1 'Mesa Yellow' Announced as a Fast Track 2010 AAS® Winner. All-America Selections® made the announcement of the hybrid as a Fast Track 2010 AAS® Winner in November 2008. The 'Mesa Yellow' is the first hybrid blanket flower with a controlled plant habit and prolific flowering. The 3-inch daisy-like flowers and globe-shaped seed heads offer a superior presentation of color, which continues throughout the summer. Gardeners will be glad to know they can cut the blooms for casual bouquets. The flowers left on the plants will attract butterflies. Judges noted the improved plant habit of 'Mesa Yellow' with mature plants reaching 18 to 20 inches. The neat, mounded plants are adaptable to smaller space gardens and relatively carefree. 'Mesa Yellow' plants proved to be wind and rain resistant, meaning the plants recover quickly from severe weather. Recommended for potted plant production, 'Mesa Yellow' will flower within about 120 days under spring conditions. This is two to three weeks earlier to bloom than comparisons. 'Mesa Yellow' was bred by PanAmerican Seed Co. For additional information, contact Mark Gross at mgross@panamseed.com. AOSA Names New Executive Assistant. The Association of Official Seed Analysts, Inc. (AOSA) announced Anita Hall as the new executive assistant. The AOSA executive assistant administers the day to day business of AOSA and provides support to the Executive Board as they set policy and direction for the association. Hall will remain in her current position as the executive director of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, Inc. (SCST). The AOSA and SCST Executive Boards believe that Hall's dual role will reduce duplication between the associations and will benefit both organizations and affiliate organizations greatly. The AOSA Executive Board also recognized Janice Osburn for her years of dedicated service to AOSA, bringing professionalism, dedication and stability to the AOSA Office. The new contact information for the AOSA Office is: AOSA, Inc., 101 East State St., #214, Ithaca, NY 14850, Email address: aosa.office@twcny.rr.com. HGSA Debuts Web Site. The Home Garden Seed Association (HGSA) unveiled a new Web site, www.easyfromseed.org. The site was designed to represent the specific interests of this segment of the seed industry. Although still under development by the National Gardening Association, HGSA welcomes input on future features of the site. 2009 Expo Paves Way for International Vegetable Expo in 2010. Zhondu Seeds, jointly with Ministries and Commissions of China, will host the International Neo-superior Vegetable, Watermelon and Melon Expo at the Zhongdu International Science and Technology Seed Industrial Park, in Shanghai, China, during the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, which is slated for May 1-Oct. 21, 2010. Over 2000 seed companies and seed distributors will be invited to take part in the expo, and more than 3000 farmers will attend. To prepare for this event, the organizers will first hold a Preliminary Exhibition in May 2009. For information on either event, please click here or email shanghai@zhongdu.com.cn. ICIA Announces 2009 Seed Conditioning Workshop and Annual Conference. The Indiana Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) will host the 23rd Annual Illinois-Indiana Seed Conditioning Workshop on Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, Ind. The workshop program covers variety of key issues including seed cleaning basics, seed treatment, inkjet printing, intellectual property, safety, technology traits, and testing and will wrap up with a presentation on customer service and professionalism. Participants are encouraged to stay for the ICIA 109th Annual Conference slated for Feb. 5-6 at the same location, with the theme, "Mega Trends in Global Agriculture." For more information, visit www.indianacrop.org, call 866-899-2518 or email icia@indianacrop.org. Seed Sampler Training Workshop to be Held in February. SGS Mid-West Seed Services, Inc. (SGS MWSS) announced a seed sampling workshop to be held in Brookings, S.D., Feb. 18-19. ISTA, AOSA and CFIA sampling rules will be reviewed, as will sampling methods, sealing seed lots, subdividing samples and a review of ISTA certificates. Participants completing the workshop will be taking the first step towards accreditation to sample for ISTA certificates. For more information, visit www.seedservices.sgs.com or contact 605-692-7611. Seed Biology, Production & Quality Course Now Open for Enrollment. The Seed Biotechnology Center, together with the University of California-Davis Extension, is offering a two-day class focused on seed biology on March 25-26. This course is designed for professionals in the seed industry, crop consultants and growers to update and expand their current knowledge. Participants will learn fundamental and specialized information on topics including seed development, production, harvesting, testing, conditioning, enhancement, storage and quality assessment. This course is completely updated and the instructors include: Dr. Derek Bewley (University of Guelph, Canada), Dr. Henk Hilhorst (Wageningen University, The Netherlands), Dr. Hiro Nanogaki (Oregon State University, Corvallis) and Dr. Kent Bradford and Dr. Allen Van Deynze from the University of California, Davis. For more information and to enroll, go to http://sbc.ucdavis.edu.
USDA
USDA/ARS USDA/CSREES USDA/ERS
USDA/Forest Service 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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2nd Seed Congress of the Americas • 127th Annual Convention |