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November 26 , 2008
Top 10 Not to Miss Events at ASTA CSS 2008 & Seed Expo! Also known as the Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference, CSS 2008 & Seed Expo draws approximately 2,500 attendees from the corn, sorghum and soybean industry, as well as other segments of the seed industry to attend the trade show of more than 115 exhibitors in over 160 booths. Get the greatest VALUE from your convention attendance - hit the TOP TEN! 10. They are giving away credit! Attendance at this year's CSS 2008 and Seed Expo can earn credit towards the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) certification, offered by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). At the back of each "accredited" session, white sign-in sheets will be provided. Simply sign in and sign out to the session you attend, and ASTA will submit your credits to the ASA. 9. Experience agricultural paparazzi! Visit the new ASTA Press Room in Grand Suite 2AB in the East Tower (behind the ASTA registration desk) for any media needs or information. The Press Room will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 10-11. Press events can 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. 8. Recruit the cream of the crop, visit the FuSE Career Lounge at the 2008 Seed Expo. The FuSE (Future Seed Executives) Lounge offers students, those new to the industry, and employers a center to meet with representatives from FuSE, who are the rising stars and next generation of the seed industry. 7. Find out what Beyond the Seed really means. ASTA will unveil the new "Beyond the Seed" intellectual property rights initiative, helping provide information on the true value of modern day seed to the customer. 6. Get holiday gifts crossed off your list at the Exhibitor Marketplace. Open to all, this grand opening of Seed Expo 2008 at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 9, will offer special giveaways from exhibitors so be sure to visit them all to collect all the goodies you can, including food, drinks, and promotional giveaways! 5. Tricks of the trade will be offered at the new Production and Industry Workshop. The workshop will include two 90 minute, afternoon sessions on Dec. 9 and 10 and will provide timely advice to all seed industry professionals on getting a business through these trying economic times, seed testing, weather insurance, and more. 4. Research the cutting edge research for seed - corn, sorghum and soybean! CSS 2008 (representing the 63rd Corn and Sorghum Seed Research Conference and the 38th Soybean Seed Research Conference) research conference agenda has been streamlined to offer a series of sessions on improving yields, soybean seed treatments, traits and more during the two and a half days of programming. 3. Politics and money - two topics that always spur discussion! CSS 2008 will kick-off with ASTA's Opening General Session, which begins with a timely presentation illuminating how the current political and economic climate in the U.S. will impact the seed industry and how you can best prepare your business for the changes in the marketplace. 2. Find out who you really work for - What is the U.S. Seed Industry? Allan Gray of Purdue University will provide information from a study on the overall economics of the seed industry at the Opening General Session of CSS 2008. Gray's research brings together fresh new information gathered from ASTA members as well various publicly available resources into one study on the U.S. seed industry. 1. Be there or be square. Free Day Passes are abundant at the Seed Expo 2008 from Dec. 9-11. Don't miss out on business opportunities and networking. ASTA is offering complimentary access to newcomers and those in production and operational roles with a Free Day Pass to the Expo. Exhibitors, likewise, have been granted this year use of unlimited complimentary customer day passes in order to help facilitate broadened access to the Expo. If you would like to attend Seed Expo 2008 complimentary, contact any exhibitor company to request a complimentary Free Day Pass. Visit the CSS 2008 and Seed Expo Web site for the latest information on the TOP TEN events and much more!
Happy Thanksgiving from the ASTA Staff. The ASTA staff extends a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our members over this special holiday. The ASTA office will be closed on Nov. 27-28 in observation of the holiday. Additionally, the next issue of Seed E-News will be a special edition on Dec. 17 to bring news from the CSS 2008 and Seed Expo! ASTA Staff Attend Corn Belt Conference. ASTA's Director of State Affairs Pat Miller and Director of Member Services Jason Laney recently attended the Indiana Seed Trade Association's Corn Belt Conference held Nov. 10-12 in Indianapolis, Ind. The event featured an exciting agenda including presentations on implications of the U.S. economic downturn on the seed industry, immigration issues, the 2008 Farm Bill and an address by Senator Richard Lugar at the Honorary Members' Lunch. Miller provided an update on ASTA domestic activities while former ASTA Regional Vice President and current Chairman of the International Seed Federation Breeders Committee Tim Johnson highlighted the international issues currently being addressed by the association. In addition, ASTA staff members manned an exhibit booth in the trading room to provide information on its new programs and initiatives to both current and prospective members. Special congratulations to Bob Hubner of Hubner Seed Company on his selection as the 2008 Honorary Member. Participation in state and regional meetings provides the association with a unique opportunity to learn about the numerous issues facing member companies on a local level while at the same time conveying how its efforts are positively affecting the industry as a whole. ASTA and Seed Programs, Inc. to Partner with Ronald McDonald House. "ASTA Gives Back," a community-service program that debuted at ASTA's 47th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference this year in New Orleans, will continue in 2009 with an exciting three-way partnership between ASTA, Seed Programs, Inc. and the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa, host city of next year's convention. At the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, being held Feb. 7-10, 2009, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, convention attendees will be offered the opportunity to lend a landscaping hand at the facility's Serenity Garden to beautify the area for its residents. The Ronald McDonald House, which offers temporary affordable housing for families whose children are hospitalized, will then also conduct a Mother's Day seed campaign, delivering packets of seed to its former and current residents as a special commemoration of their dedication to their children. Seed Programs, Inc. (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. Representatives from SPI will also make a presentation with ASTA's general session programming at the conference, to bring awareness to seed companies of the opportunity to serve as donors for their important work, as many ASTA members already do. Sponsorship and seed donation opportunities for both of the above projects are now available. Contact Jennifer Lord at the ASTA office for more information.
Meet Your ASTA Staff Jennifer Lord ASTA's meetings and conferences would not be the same without the personal touch of Director of Meetings and Services Jennifer Lord. Jennifer has been with ASTA since Sept. 2003 and supervises all aspects of ASTA's four national conventions as well as committee and leadership meetings. She works hard with member organizers to bring outstanding educational content and top notch speakers on important issues to the seed industry. Prior to her time at ASTA, Jennifer worked for The Fairmont Washington D.C., a luxury convention hotel, in the management of meeting and conference services. At the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, preceding her time at the Fairmont, she was also responsible for meeting coordination and management. Jennifer's first employment out of college, at Cellar Door Productions/Cellar Door Entertainment (now known as Clear Channel Entertainment/Live Nation), was a natural fit. If you know Jennifer, you know she loves great music and rock concerts, especially U2. At Cellar Door she supported the production and promotion of concerts and the booking of music talent. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations at the University of Maryland and Masters of Tourism Administration with a concentration in Event Management from The George Washington University. She also holds a designation as a Certified Meeting Professional. Originally from Frederick, Md., Jennifer now lives in Virginia, where she enjoys hosting various themed parties in her spare time. Jennifer is a proud volunteer for the ONE Campaign to fight extreme poverty and advocates for smart conservation to help the environment. Jennifer brings many talents to the association to create a unique and valuable experience for members at ASTA meetings and conferences. To learn more about ASTA meetings and conference, please contact Jennifer.
ASTA Comments on APHIS Proposed Rule for Genetically Engineered Organisms. ASTA provided comments to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding their proposed regulations for genetically modified organisms. This proposed rule is next step in updating the agency's regulations for genetically engineered organisms. ASTA's comments focus on the scope of the proposed regulation, seed Low Level Presence, risk-based regulatory tiers and recordkeeping requirements. "Our comments on the proposed rule go toward maintaining a science based approach to regulation which is crucial for the seed industry," said ASTA Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky. "We look forward to working with APHIS during the next phase of their rule development." For more information, please contact Bernice Slutsky. APHIS Announces ePermits. ePermits is a web-based user interface that supports electronic applications, filing, processing and tracking of all USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) permits; including plant and plant product, plant pest, animal and animal product and biotechnology permits. The on-line system will allow applicants to apply, track their status and receive permits. State and field officials will have access to the on-line database to review permits and ensure compliance of importers with permit conditions. Individuals using ePermits must first obtain a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account. To facilitate the registration of ASTA members and guests at the CSS 2008 and Seed Expo, APHIS' Plant Protection & Quarantine Permit Services staff will be available in the Exhibit Hall (Booth 318) to complete the process. Individuals can complete the following steps, in advance, to expedite the process:
Additional information about ePermits, including the release schedule, registration information and login capabilities is available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/learn_epermits.shtml.
New Executive Named for Texas Seed Trade Association (TSTA). The TSTA Board of Directors announced last week that they have entered into an organizational management agreement with Association Strategies, a firm owned by Bryan and Denise Gentsch. Bryan Gentsch will serve as executive vice president of TSTA following the retirement of Charles and Rita Leamons effective Dec. 31, 2008. Association Strategies, a public affairs firm, based in Austin, Tex., provides management services, professional development, leadership facilitation and coaching, strategic planning services, public policy advocacy training and grassroots campaign development and deployment for businesses, associations and professional groups. Bryan and Denise have many years' experience with trade associations, public policy advocacy and the agricultural chemical industry. TSTA President Jeff Wilson stated, "The Board felt the Gentschs were a perfect fit for the association, and we look forward many years of mutual prosperity."
ISU Expands Seed Science Center Commemorating G.W. Carver. The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University (ISU) recently completed a 5,000 square foot growth project. A life-size statue of George Washington Carver placed at the entrance of the center was unveiled at a dedication ceremony held Nov. 18 to recognize the expansion. Carver studied briefly in Ames and was very instrumental in a wide variety of seed advances. The Seed Science Center, headed by Director Dr. Manjit Misra, is the largest comprehensive public seed laboratory in the world. The site also houses the Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP) that provides information for policy and regulatory groups, private entities and the public to ensure science-based decisions with regard to genetically modified products. As part of the dedication ceremony, six $1,000 scholarships were presented to ISU students from the Iowa Seed Association. One of the scholarships is funded by ASTA's matching grant program. Hawaii and Colorado Consider Regulations of Interest to Seed Industry. The County Council of Hawaii has successfully overridden the mayoral veto of the ban on genetic engineering of coffee and taro on the Big Island. The council stated the ban now "preserves agricultural practices and cultural traditions associated with taro and coffee within the County." The Colorado Department of Agriculture published rule changes for public comment, with a hearing set for Dec. 1, 2008. The general purpose of the rulemaking is to implement expanded statutory authority regarding tetrazolium testing and extending the germination period for cool season grasses. The amendments also address various housekeeping issues including typographical and other errors, omissions and obsolete language. A complete copy of the rules is available at http://www.colorado.gov/ag or by calling (303) 239-4100.
ASTA Seeks Member Input on New Import Declaration Requirements. On Oct. 8, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a notice for comment in the Federal Register (Volume 73, Number 196, Docket No. APHIS-2008-0119) announcing new import declaration requirements for plants and plant products as a result of recent amendments made to the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act was originally enacted in 1900 to combat trafficking in "illegal" wildlife, fish and plants. Amendments made to the Act as part of this year's Farm Bill legislation expanded its protection to a broader range of plants and plant products and has also made it unlawful to make or submit any false record, account or label for, or any false identification of, any plant covered by the Act. This Act identifies three categorical exemptions which should cover most seed: common cultivars (except trees) and common food crops, scientific specimens to be used only for laboratory and field research, and plants that are to remain planted or to be planted or replanted. The comment period closes Dec. 8, and the new import declaration requirements are to be phased in beginning Dec. 15, 2008. ASTA is seeking input from members that likely will be impacted by these new requirements, and has distributed a draft response for review through the Phytosanitary Committee as well as to members that have contacted the ASTA office. The draft response identifies several concerns; namely, the need to develop reasonable definitions for the terms "common cultivars" and "common food crops" (the notice indicates that APHIS and the Fish and Wildlife Service will establish definitions in the near future through formal rulemaking), what importers will need to do to document their consignments as exempt and how Customs inspectors will recognize seed consignments that are categorically exempted, and how new cultivars will be reviewed to determine if they meet the criteria for categorical exclusion. If you have an interest in providing input, please contact Ric Dunkle. ASTA also encourages members to provide comments directly to APHIS. ASTA has Successful Week in India.
ASTA members and staff attended the Asia Pacific Seed Association Congress in Hyderabad, India, Nov. 9-13. The ASTA booth at the Congress Exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to speak with many of the Congress attendees about ASTA's Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices, intellectual property rights and the upcoming CSS 2008 and Seed Expo and the 48th Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference in February 2009. "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 priority issues for the U.S. seed industry in the Asia Pacific region, such as phytosanitary constraints and intellectual property rights." At the conclusion of the Congress, ASTA staff, Andy LaVigne, president and CEO, Bernice Slutsky, vice president science and international affairs, and Nichols traveled to New Delhi to meet with the Indian Maize Development Association (IMDA), the National Seed Corporation (NSC) and U.S. Embassy officials to discuss ASTA's international efforts in India. ASTA's India Working Group met on Nov. 21 to discuss the outcomes of the recent meetings in India and are actively planning ASTA's 2009 programs focused on Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and seed quality management. For more information, please contact Lisa Nichols. Seed Association of the Americas Announces Open Meeting in Chicago. The Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) will hold its annual General Session Meeting in Chicago during ASTA's CSS 2008 and Seed Expo on Dec. 9, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting will update attendees on SAA's 2008 activity with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the International Seed Federation (ISF) and the Federation of Latin American Seed Associations (FELAS), as well as the recently held SAA Phytosanitary Workshop. Also to be discussed is the 2ndSAA Congress scheduled for Sept. 2009 in Brazil as well as the recruitment of new SAA members and the SAA Web site. Please attend the meeting for additional information on ASTA's involvement in the Seed Association of the Americas.
Nov. 17-19. ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill represented the seed industry at the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) in Baltimore, Md. ISAC was authorized by Executive Order 13112 to advise the Invasive Species Council on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control, as well as minimizing the economic, ecological and human health impacts that invasive species cause. ISCA maintains an intensive and regulator dialogue with stakeholders, including the seed industry. Nearly every federal agency and department relies on ISAC for advice and counsel. On the agenda of this meeting was a discussion on new fuel sources and their potential invasiveness. Of particular interest to ASTA as the dialogue continues will be the impact of miscanthus and switchgrass in these new programs. Nov. 18. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne attend a meeting of the Farm Foundation focused on the financial and credit crisis and how it may impact the agriculture and food industries. Lenders representing major agricultural financial institutions - First State Bank of Sharon, Tennessee, Bank of America and Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit - discussed the health of and challenges facing American agricultural producers and their financial and credit needs. From the presentations, farm lending is generally sound throughout the country with pockets of tight credit availability due to specific commodity prices in those regions. While the panel felt commodity prices have settled and may increase slightly over the coming months, farmers should have adequate credit available to them for their needs in financing agriculture inputs and other capital investments in their operations. Two key reasons noted for the sound credit availability in the agriculture community is the fact that commodity prices have been strong allowing farmers to pay down debt and that agriculture lending institutions have not invested as heavily in the types of assets that are currently impacting the major banking and lending institutions in the US. Nov. 18-19. ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller attended the Iowa Seed Association Annual Convention in Ames, Iowa, where he presented an overview of the critical issues facing the seed industry. The featured keynote address was on the new world of agriculture by Sano Shimoda of BioScience Securities, Inc. Other programs focused on food, fuel, and energy. A highlight of the convention was a visit by George Washington Carver impersonator Paxton Williams, profiling the scientist's life in first-person with remarkable depth. Wrapping up the session were presentations by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa State University Extension Meteorologist Dr. Elwynn Taylor. Nov. 19-20. ASTA staff attended the FY2009 U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council Annual Workshop in Baltimore, Md. As a designated cooperator with the USDA's Foreign Agricutlural Serivce (FAS), ASTA attended the sessions to gain instight in the agricultural issues around the world, improved management under these FAS programs and networking with various FAS representatives. In addition, FAS held a course entitled "FAS 101 for New Cooperator Staff" on fraud prevention and the new SAS-112 accounting standards. ASTA was represented by President and CEO Andy LaVigne, Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky, Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols and Manager of International and Domestic Programming Jillian Barnett. Nov 21. The China and India Country Working Groups held their respective conference calls to discuss the outcomes of recent ASTA initiatives in each country and plan market strategies and activities for the upcoming program year. Members of the Country Working Groups are vital to the success of ASTA's international activities. If you or a representative from your company would like to participate in any of the five working groups, please contact Lisa Nichols.
Business Briefs Zinnia 'Zahara Starlight Rose' Announced as A Fast Track 2010 AAS® Winner. All America Selection made the announcement of the zinnia as a Fast Track 2010 AAS® Winner on Nov. 17. 'Zahara Starlight Rose' is the first zinnia with white and rose bicolor blooms abundantly produced on a disease resistant plant. Proven resistance to leaf spot and mildew will enable growers and gardeners to easily produce flowering plants. As a Bedding Plant Award Winner, this zinnia exhibited improved traits in greenhouse and garden trials. 'Zahara Starlight Rose' tolerates hot and dry or hot and wet garden conditions. Judges reported exceptional performance in spite of higher than average rainfall. The mature plants are 12 to 14 inches tall and wide. The 2½-inch single white flowers are lightly brushed with rose on the interior of the petal. The bicolor pattern can vary depending upon growing conditions. Judges noted the continuous flowering with minimal plant care, exactly the traits gardeners prefer. 'Zahara Starlight Rose' was bred by PanAmerican Seed Co. For further information please contact Mark Gross at mgross@panamseed.com.
USDA
USDA/AMS USDA/ARS
USDA/APHIS USDA/CSREES USDA/ERS
USDA/RMA
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. |