 |
 |
|
January 28 , 2009
Top 10 Not to Miss Events at ASTA 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference! From Feb. 7-10, ASTA will convene the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference in Tampa, Fla., the fastest growing ASTA conference. Get the greatest VALUE from your convention attendance - hit the TOP TEN!
Visit the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Web site for the latest information on the TOP TEN events and much more! Marigold Seed Donations Needed for ASTA Gives Back. On Feb. 8, 2009, ASTA Gives Back, an ASTA community service program, which debuted at the last Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference in New Orleans, 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. The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) offers temporary affordable housing for families whose children are hospitalized, and ASTA volunteers will work to beautify the house's Serenity Garden while in Tampa. The partnership then continues when RMH 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. Every year on Mother's Day, the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay puts together a Mother's Day initiative with a focus on "growing," mailing 10,000 seed packets to current and past mothers of the RMH. ASTA needs your assistance now through a contribution of marigold seed to make this project by RMH a reality. Please contact Jennifer Lord for more information or to make a donation. ASTA Reminds Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Attendees about Festival's Impact on Tampa Arrivals. Although the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina is a coveted location for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, attendees of ASTA's 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference should be aware of the festival's impact on their arrival and stay in Tampa. Road closures near the hotel will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. The hotel is still accessible through alternate routes; however, these routes may take a little longer time. Hired transportation companies are aware of alternative routes. If you are driving or need additional information, please contact ASTA or the hotel for maps of alternate routes or further assistance. Festivities will heat up at 11 a.m. with cannon fire, peaking from 1-1:15 p.m. with the "Pirate Invasion." The Marriott's rooftop pool deck is a great vantage point to see the pirate invasion. ASTA's Trading Room in the Grand Ballroom is the furthest point in the hotel from these sounds, so business will still be able to be conducted during these few minutes of concentrated noise. However, patrons should be prepared to hear the cannons during this time. Following the "invasion," a parade will commence about five miles from the hotel and wrap up near the back of the hotel around 4 p.m. Crowds and mayhem will then reach their peak for the festival with a carnival and street fair to round out the evening, two blocks from the hotel, which ASTA attendees are welcome to enjoy! For more information on the festival, please visit the Web site. Media Welcome at ASTA Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference. Media are encouraged to take advantage of a free registration and attend the upcoming 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Feb. 7-10, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. The fastest growing ASTA meeting offers dynamic sessions related to this sector of the seed industry, a sold out Trading Room with 23 exhibitors and 32 reserved appointment tables, and a community service project, ASTA Gives Back, at the local Ronald McDonald House! In order to register as media and received a free conference registration, please contact Gretchen Flanley by email at gflanley@amseed.org or at 703-837-8140. 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. A block of rooms has been made available at the Lorien Hotel & Spa, A Kimpton Hotel (www.lorienhotelandspa.com) in Alexandria, Va. The ASTA rate of $199 single/$219 double are available until Feb. 6. The hotel's in-house reservationist is now dedicated to take ASTA group's calls. Guests should contact Mr. Mauricio Quiroga directly at 703-842-2737 during business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). ASTA News Schedule to Resume. A special edition of ASTA's Seed E News will follow the conclusion of the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference. Regular circulation of the bi-monthly publication will resume on Feb. 25.
Meet Your ASTA Staff Dr. Bernice Slutsky joined ASTA in April 2006 as vice president for science and international affairs. In this capacity, Bernice is responsible for coordinating and developing the seed industry's policy initiatives in the international arena and in the area of emerging technologies. She also serves as the staff liaison for ASTA committees, Intellectual Property, Biotechnology, Stewardship, and Corn Variety Identification. Before joining ASTA, she was the senior advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture for biotechnology. Bernice served as USDA's biotechnology technical expert and had responsibility for coordinating departmental policies and activities in agricultural biotechnology. Prior to USDA, she was employed at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) as assistant vice president for international regulatory affairs where she promoted science-based approaches to regulatory affairs in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions. Bernice also held positions in USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She received her Ph.D. in biology at the University of Iowa. A native of Iowa, Bernice resides in Virginia. An avid traveler, Bernice enjoys exploring new places and spending time with her three dogs. "It is a pleasure to work for such a dynamic and diverse industry," remarked Bernice. "We are so lucky to have such committed members who are always willing to step up to plate in helping to set priorities and participating in our advocacy efforts." Please contact Bernice for more information or to get involved in activities and efforts in her area of expertise. Senate Confirms Cabinet Secretaries. Following President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack, one of six cabinet members to be confirmed to his or her new post in the Obama Administration, was approved by unanimous vote. Also confirmed that afternoon were Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy, Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education, Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security, Ken Salazar as Secretary of Interior and Eric Shinseki as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Secretary Vilsack now takes the reins of USDA at a crucial time as the new Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 is implemented. Members of ASTA's Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee will be at USDA headquarters on March 9 for a series of briefings from key agencies and fellow departments on programs affecting and critical to conservation, restoration, reclamation and stewardship activities as outlined in the new legislation. Biotechnology Quality Management System Pilot Project Launched by USDA. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on Jan. 16 a pilot of the Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS), a voluntary compliance assistance program that will help universities, small businesses and large companies develop sound management practices to enhance compliance with regulatory requirements for field trials and movement of regulated genetically engineered (GE) organisms. "Our goal with the biotechnology quality management system is to give developers the tools they need to better comply with our regulations," said Michael Gregoire, deputy administrator for APHIS' Biotechnology Regulatory Services Program. "The pilot project provides us with an opportunity to further develop and improve the system before its full implementation." Five volunteer participants have been accepted into the pilot project, including BASF Plant Science, Bayer CropScience, Pioneer Hi-Bred - a DuPont business, J.R. Simplot Plant Science and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. These volunteers will develop, implement and maintain a quality management system that proactively manages the movement and field release of these regulated GE organisms. Through the project, the institutions will be able to identify any possible vulnerabilities, develop or revise standard operating procedures as needed, provide personnel training as appropriate and undergo a third-party audit to determine effectiveness of their quality management system. "Maintaining high quality standards is essential throughout the seed product lifecycle. We are pleased that ASTA members are participating in this pilot project of USDA's Biotechnology Quality Management System," said ASTA Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky. "This project is an important complement to ongoing industry quality assurance efforts, including ASTA's Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices." Draft guidelines are available to participants as they develop their system. The pilot project also will test the feasibility of the BQMS audit standard and accompanying guidelines, available here. A formal comment period on the audit standard also will be announced in the Federal Register. USDA Extends Public Comment Period on Biotechnology Regulations. On Jan. 15, 2009, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the extension of the public comment period for another 60 days on its proposed rule to revise existing regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. In particular, APHIS is interested in comments regarding:
With this extension, APHIS will consider all comments received on or before March 17, 2009. APHIS also plans to hold one or more additional public meetings on the proposed rule. The time and place of the public meeting(s) will be announced in the Federal Register. ASTA will review its comments sent to APHIS under the first comment period to determine if additional comments will be sent. For more information, please contact Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky. State Legislatures Now in Full Session. Legislative bill filings are gaining momentum, but seed-related legislation has been relatively sparse. ASTA tracks these bills, along with other bills of interest, through a Legislative Tracking System, located on the ASTA Web site under Government Affairs. The site provides up-to-date status of state bills at all times, including bill text. For more detailed information on any of the state legislation, please contact ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller. Following is a sample of agriculture related bills filed thus far: Hawaii
Maryland
Nebraska
New York AB 500 - Provides for the labeling of food or food products that contain a genetically modified material or that are produced with a genetically modified material; defines terms; imposes penalties for false labels and misbranding; sets forth exemptions. Jan. 27-28. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Director of Membership Services Jason Laney attended an association technology conference in Washington, DC, sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives. The conference brought together hundreds of association executives from around the country to discuss current trends in association technology and how associations can utilize these new innovations to more effectively serve their members. Jan. 23-24. ASTA Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky participated in the U.S. Grains Council Biotechnology Advisory Team in New Orleans. The Advisory Team meeting focused on discussing biotech issues that have the most potential to impact U.S. grain exports. The meeting was part of a process to identify priority areas for 2009-10 activities. The Advisory Team also had a joint meeting with the Biotechnology Working Group of the National Corn Growers Association. Jan. 20-22. ASTA Chairman Kelly Keithly and President and CEO Andy LaVigne attended the Independent Professional Seed Association Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Ind. The meeting brought together independent seed companies principally from Midwest states to discuss issues impacting the seed industry today. Key issues were sales practices in today's environment, new trait licensing and trait practices and trends in the agriculture industry.
Jan. 17-20. The 90th Annual Convention of the Southern Seed Association (SSA), held in Austin, Tex., featured sessions on fertilizer pricing, a "Washington" outlook, state seed issues updates, among others. Charles Leamons, who recently retired as executive vice president of the Texas Seed Trade Association, was honored by ASTA and SSA. Representing ASTA were Chairman Kelly Keithly, First Vice Chairman Jerry Monk, President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Director of State Affairs Pat Miller, who each made comments to express their appreciation for Charles and his wife Rita's service to the seed industry. Tye Curtis, Curtis & Curtis Inc., was elected as SSA president for the ensuing year. Jan. 15. ASTA Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky and Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols met with representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to discuss possibilities to partner on outreach efforts in Afghanistan. Jan. 15. ASTA Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols attended a meeting at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the status of the World Trade Organization's biotechnology case against the European Union. Seeds of Change Announces Several New Positions. In January 2009, Seeds of Change (SOC) announced the addition of several new positions in the company. Eero Ruutila was named as farm manager where he will manage the day-to-day activities on the SOC Research Farm and Gardens near Santa Fe, N.M. He brings extensive experience in organic farming. He was Northeast Organic Farming Association's first organic farm inspector in 1986 and has managed a 65 acre organic farm in New Hampshire since 1987. Ruutila is a mentor farmer and a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education farmer educator and has received numerous industry awards. After completing a SOC internship, Lindsey Dozoretz is taking on the responsibility of this new position, marketing-education lead. She has a recent degree in international affairs focused on corporate sustainability. Terry Allan will serve as the new Pro Grower Product Development Manager and will focus on the interaction between product development and marketing of high performing organic seed varieties. She will lead our field testing efforts nationwide, with a focus on the west coast, where she is located. Allan has a long experience in organic seed sales and farming, both domestically and internationally. Cindy Salter is the new Pro Grower Customer Service Representative, acting as SOC's main point of contact for growers with questions about our seed varieties and to place their orders. She earned a degree in soil science from Texas A&M University and has been professionally involved in sustainable agriculture and composting over the last 20 years. She has served on several volunteer boards, including Oregon Tilth.
USDA
USDA/ARS
USDA/CSREES USDA/ERS
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.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
2nd Seed Congress of the Americas • 127th Annual Convention |