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March 19 , 2008
New Resource Available on ASTA Website. An overview of the seed certification organizations and agencies available to the U.S. seed industry can now be found in a table on the ASTA website. The table was developed by ASTA's Seed Industry Relations Committee. "Our goal was to provide a common, objective set of information about the options available to industry regarding seed certification." says Greg Kegler, chairman of the Seed Industry Relations Committee. The table can be found under the Government Affairs section of the ASTA website. Click here for a direct link to the table or reference http://www.amseed.org/govt_seedorgs.asp. For more information, please contact Bernice Slutsky.
Record Attendance at 6th ASTA-USDA Conservation Workshop.
ASTA Supports Seed Testing for Human Pathogen Survey. Following the outbreak of E. coli in the Salinas Valley of California in Oct. 2006, many seed companies that produce spinach, lettuce and other vegetable seeds have been required to routinely test their products for E. coli and other human pathogens. These excessive testing requirements have continued even though there is no scientific evidence that seeds pose any risk for causing outbreaks. At the recent ASTA Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference in New Orleans, ASTA and the California Seed Association (CSA) partnered in forming an Ad Hoc Food Safety Work Group to determine how to provide a level of assurance to the vegetable industry that seeds have an insignificant role in the occurrence of human pathogens on field-grown leafy vegetable crops. This group concluded that a key first step is to collect and review existing test results in order to establish a reference point to validate the belief that there is no value in testing the seed for human pathogens. ASTA sent a survey questionnaire designed by this work group to member vegetable seed companies to collect the needed data. In order to maintain confidentiality, companies have been instructed to send their test results to a third party firm, who will then submit the data in aggregate form for further review. "We are confident that the survey results will provide data that supports the CSA Policy on E. coli and Seed Testing - that there is no significant value in testing seed lots for the presence of E. coli and other human pathogens," said CSA Associate Director Technical Services Betsy Peterson. For further information, please contact Ric Dunkle, senior director of seed health and trade at ASTA.
Companies are Confused about Who in Puerto Rico is Allowed to Conduct Field Growing Inspections. ASTA learned that, contrary to USDA policy, the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture was encouraging companies to sign compliance agreements that would allow them to conduct their own growing season field inspections to support issuance of federal phytosanitary certificates. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sent a message to the states indicating that any consignments with phytosanitary certificates issued in this manner should be rejected. At present, only those companies or other organizations officially recognized by APHIS through National Seed Health System certification are authorized to conduct these inspections. ASTA is concerned that companies that do enter into an agreement with the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture need to be aware that they are not compliant with federal rules, which will result in their seed shipments being refused entry into the mainland of the United States. In addition, it appears that there may be a shortage of certified officials in Puerto Rico to meet all the needs for these inspections. ASTA is working with APHIS officials to resolve these problems. For further information, please contact Ric Dunkle.
Communication Committee Seeks Members. ASTA's Communications Committee is being revived, and members are invited to identify representatives interested in serving. Gretchen Flanley, vice president for communications, is the new staff liaison. Tied to ASTA's strategic plan, the committee will identify goals and provide critical input and support for ASTA committees and divisions and their specific projects and initiatives. The committee will play an important role in enhancing ASTA's messages on the value of quality seed, intellectual property rights and innovation to farmers, ranchers, gardeners, consumers and all stakeholders. Company representatives interested in learning more are welcome to attend the next meeting scheduled during the 125th ASTA Annual Convention, on June 25. Questions on the scope of the committee or interest in serving may be directed to Gretchen Flanley.
Get Connected and Registrar for Upcoming 2008 Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Educational Units.
ASTA is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2008 Educational Units of its Future Seed Executives (FuSE) initiative. The first Educational Unit will be held at Syngenta Seeds in Stanton, Minn., on May 30. FuSE focuses on educating and supporting future seed industry executives, namely those with fewer than seven years of seed industry experience and students who are pursuing a career in the seed industry. Highly popular with participants, the Educational Units provide one day educational opportunities hosted by ASTA member companies in conjunction with a local university. During the seminar, the host company provides an overview of its business, gives a facility tour and engages participants in a discussion around tools it employs to be successful in the seed industry. Following the company presentations, a university facilitator then leads participants through an interactive case study associated with either the host company or key business tools. Additional 2008 Educational Units will be held at AgReliant Genetics, LLC, in Champaign, Ill., (July 25) and Seminis Vegetable Seeds in Woodland, Calif., (Sept. 16). To register for these upcoming Educational Units, please click here. For more information on FuSE, please contact Jason Laney.
FuSE Campus Connections Program Brings Undergraduate Students to ASTA's 125th Annual Convention. For the second consecutive year, the Future Seed Executives (FuSE) Campus Connections program will provide the unique opportunity for undergraduate students working towards a career in the seed industry to attend the ASTA 125th Annual Convention where they will interact with seed industry professionals and senior executives to investigate various aspects of the seed business. The Campus Connections program will award students a grant that includes airfare, hotel accommodations and registration to attend the upcoming convention in Orlando, Fla. in June. In addition to the various sessions and networking opportunities at the convention for participants, Campus Connections will also include one-on-one mentoring for the students with senior industry leaders. Applicants must be current undergraduate students in their junior year, majoring in a seed-related area of study or agricultural business or economics. Visit the Campus Connections website for more information on the program including an application for participation. If you know of qualified undergraduate students, please direct them to the Campus Connections website. Applications must be received by April 18, 2008. For more information on this program, please contact Lisa Nichols.
Submit Your Testimonial Now for the New "Value of ASTA Membership" Project. As part of the American Seed Trade Association's 125th Anniversary celebration, the association is undertaking a new project to gather feedback from its members. The Value of ASTA Membership project, sponsored by Becker Underwood, is a multifaceted effort to collect testimonials of how the association has positively affected its member companies, while at the same time demonstrating the value of membership to current and prospective members. The testimonials will be compiled into a commemorative anniversary booklet that will be distributed at the 125th Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. Each individual who submits a testimonial will receive a coupon for 10% discount at designated shops at the convention's host hotel, the Gaylord Palms, and be entered into a contest to win one of two grand prizes: a complimentary participant or guest registration to the convention or a $250 Amazon.com gift certificate. To be eligible for the drawing, the testimonial must be received in the ASTA office by Wed., April 30. Click here for more information, a sample of current testimonials and to submit your own testimonial. You can also contact Jason Laney for more information on this project.
Staff Changes at ASTA. ASTA wishes Nikki Clifford well as she pursues further education in event planning. She served as ASTA's associate director for meetings and membership. With Nikki's departure, ASTA is actively searching for her replacement. For information on the position or to refer any interested candidates, please contact Ann Jorss.
ASTA Provides Activity Update for Lawmakers. On March 11 and 12, ASTA staff and member company representatives briefed Congressional staff on the ASTA Corn and Sorghum Basic Research Committee's requests to add FY2009 funding to the corn germplasm enhancement project (GEM). Added to the $1,551,900 appropriated in FY2008, the additional request of $800,000, for a total of $2,351,900 annual budget, would be specifically directed to two USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) locations to support research project needs. Specifically, an additional $450,000 is requested for Raleigh, N.C. The remaining $350,000 directed toward research in Ames, Iowa, would better support genomic exploration of allelic diversity. Through Ames, the project has distributed seed of over 700 GEM breeding lines to public and private cooperators, who have or will release these lines publicly. Interest in utilizing GEM breeding material continues to grow, indicated by the distribution of more than 10,600 samples in the past seven years. The Raleigh location distributes a large number of samples to researchers for adaptation in the southeast and southern U.S. corn-belt and for trait integration all over the world, in addition to the development and release of significant germplasm. GEM also provides breeding materials used to train graduate students in plant breeding, genetics, pathology and entomology, food science, seed science technology and bio-fuels focused projects. Demand for germplasm for bio-fuels research will undoubtedly increase in the near future, as knowledge of the traits and underlying pathways crucial to energy production increases. Private industry provides over $500,000 of in-kind support annually for this effort in addition to industry germplasm contribution to this project currently valued at over $3 billion. Joining ASTA Vice President for Government Affairs Leslie Cahill was Major Goodman of the North Carolina State University, Julie Manes of Pioneer Hi-Bred, International, Jerry Rice of Mycogen and Walter Trevisan of Monsanto. The group also met with ARS Administrator Dr. Edward Knipling and National Program Leader Peter Bretting.
USDA Issues Memo on National Organic Program (NOP) Verification of Materials. According to a memorandum sent March 5, by Dr. Barbara Robinson, acting director of the USDA National Organic Program, NOP has clarified its policy on conducting reviews of inputs for agricultural production to "allow certifying agents to recognize reviews conducted by other certifying agents and competent third-party reviewers." Accredited certifying agents (ACAs) reviewing certified organic operations are required to validate that all input materials used comply with NOP regulations. For branded products, ACAs can choose to determine compliance with these regulations by either verifying the material themselves, consulting with another ACA or with a highly regarded third party source, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). In all circumstances, the party or parties that determine compliance with NOP regulations will have performed the due diligence on material review and accept the resultant outcome from that source. By allowing for third party consults by the EPA or OMRI, this amendment serves to reduce inconsistent organic certifications for formulated products where proprietary information is unattainable to ACA's. For more information or a copy of the memorandum, please contact Lisa Nichols.
Congress Passes Farm Bill Extension. Passed on March 13, the extension, which expires on April 18, was imperative for continued farm bill negotiations. The source of funding remains a major roadblock to getting a bill finalized. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Grassley (R-IA) continue to look for offsets, as well as House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rangel (D-NY). However, that process received a setback when Chairman Rangel was hospitalized last week and is not expected to return to Washington prior to the upcoming two-week recess. Jurisdictional issues also continue to serve as a hindrance, with the Senate Finance Committee leadership pressing for permanent disaster relief and Finance Committee control. However, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Peterson (D-MN) has repeatedly stated opposition to any farm bill provisions falling under another committee's jurisdiction. In addition to these hurdles, the Bush Administration's opposition to tax increases or closing tax "loopholes" to provide funding still looms over the negotiations. If the farm bill does cross the President's desk, and he does veto it, an override is possible, but will depend upon House Republican support for the bill. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Goodlatte (R-VA) plays a key role, and any package sent to the President will need his support if there is any chance of a veto and a subsequent override. However, due to the current political situation, an override could be a very heavy lift. While congressional leaders have stated their intention to complete the farm bill, it still appears to be a very challenging task. It is unclear how much the staff can accomplish over the two-week recess without funding. After the recess, there will only be two more weeks prior to the April 18 expiration, with challenging negotiations to continue. If a deal cannot be reached, another short-term extension (one month) to negotiate a long-term extension (until Sept. 30, 2009) is a distinct possibility.
Over 100 people attended the Wisconsin Crop Production Association (WCPA) Manager's Seminar in Wisconsin Dells on March 6. The seminar was designed for agribusiness managers to assist them with their business activities. The morning session featured fertilizer supply issues with a presentation by Ford West, president of The Fertilizer Institute. A panel discussion, moderated by West, followed on fertilizer risk management. The afternoon session focused on seed and biotechnology issues presented by ASTA Director of State Affairs Pat Miller. Miller provided an overview of the seed industry, a perspective of the expectations from the industry, an update on ASTA activities and an examination of state legislation introduced across the county. The seminar, directed by WCPA Executive Director Mike Turner, also offered an opportunity to discuss association alliances and cooperative efforts between the state association and ASTA.
Leamons' Plan Retirement from Texas Seed Trade Association (TSTA). Charles and Rita Leamons have formally announced their plan to retire on Dec. 31, 2008. Charles is the association's executive vice president, and Rita serves the administrative assistant. Their mark on the association will be felt for years to come. Charles was presented the award for the best all-around seed association at last year's ASTA State and Regional Association Workshop. ASTA extends our congratulations to the Leamons, who will be greatly missed. A search committee for the position has been appointed. The position is now posted on the TSTA website.
ASTA Meets with International Visitors from China. On March 4, ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky met with an agriculture delegation from the Guizhou Province of China. The delegation came primarily from the Guizhou Central Seed Station which develops corn seed varieties for distribution to the public and private sectors and tests seed as part of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) application process. The station is part of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). The delegation was interested in understanding how ASTA, as a trade association, represents our members. The group also had a discussion on intellectual property protection in the United States and the process of technology transfer. On March 6, ASTA, together with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), hosted a luncheon for a MOA delegation from Beijing. Sponsored by the U.S. Trade Development Agency in coordination with the Iowa Farm Bureau, the primary focus of the delegation's trip was to understand further the implementation of the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety. The delegation also held meetings with the U.S. Government on bilateral issues related to China's regulation of agricultural biotechnology products. China is one of the key markets targeted for ASTA international activities. In April, ASTA representatives will make a trip to China to focus on training and outreach opportunities with MOA in the areas of PVP and technology transfer.
ASTA Participates in ISF Meetings. ASTA participated in recent meetings of the International Seed Federation (ISF) Breeders Committee and National Secretaries in Brussels from March 11-14. Tim Johnson, president of SGI Field Crops Division of the Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc., and Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA, attended the meeting on behalf of the U.S. seed industry. This mid-year meeting provides an opportunity to provide guidance to ISF leadership on activities and policies to frame the upcoming 2008 ISF World Seed Congress in Prague, May 26-28. "Because of ASTA's leadership in seed policy in the U.S. and internationally, it is imperative that we provide input and guidance during the ISF meetings," said Johnson. "ISF sets policy that influences the international movement of seed that impacts many ASTA members." Johnson, serving as chairman of the ISF Breeders Committee, oversaw discussions on a wide range of subjects: a paper on reverse breeding; the use of molecular markers for variety testing; a consensus paper by ISF and CropLife International on "Coexistence of Plant Breeders' Rights and Patents;" and a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the state of plant breeding as a career around the world. Through an extensive policy developing process, ISF builds consensus positions to be used as guidance for the industry in national and international regulatory forums, such as FAO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) in governing Plant Variety Protection, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). "It is imperative that ASTA play an active role in policy development at ISF given their influence at the international level," stated LaVigne. "We have strong representation from many ASTA member companies at ISF meetings, and they do a fantastic job representing the positions and interests of the American seed industry." If you would like additional information regarding this meeting or ASTA's activities with ISF, please contact Andy LaVigne.
Industry Loses Two Seedsmen, George Weaver and Robert Wilkins. George B. Weaver, Jr, died Feb. 20. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he moved to Fredonia in 1923 when his father purchased the former Fredonia Seed Company. After attending the University of Michigan, he served as a major in the Army Air Corps during WW II, stationed in Europe where he was a B-26 bomber pilot and an operation's officer in the 98th Bomb Wing, 9th Air Force. Joining Fredonia Seed Company in 1939, Weaver became president in 1961. In 1984, when he sold the company and retired, Fredonia Seed Company was the third largest producer of packet garden seed for home gardeners in the United States. He was also president and director of the New York State Seed Association. Very active in his community, Weaver served in numerous leadership roles of many local organizations where he spearheaded various projects to enrich the area. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Luke), two daughters, Patricia Weaver (Lawrence Copp) of Richmond, Vt., and Betsy (Gregory) Russell of Canandaigua and two grandchildren, Hannah and Andrew Russell. He was predeceased by daughter Janet Luke Weaver. Robert O. Wilkins died peacefully at his home in Rochester, N.Y., on March 6, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a life long employee of the original Joseph Harris Company (Harris Seeds) in Gates, N.Y. His primary responsibility was vegetable breeding within the crucifer species, with a concentration in cabbage breeding. He will be remembered for the introduction of many market-leading cabbage varieties like Market Prize and Market Victor. After his tenure with the Joseph Harris Company, he remained as Operations Manager for the Harris Moran Seed Company. When Harris Moran moved its corporate headquarters from Rochester to California, Wilkins remained in Rochester, joining Harris Seeds, Garden Trends, Inc., where he played an instrumental part in the marketing effort of the Harris Seeds trade name and its integrity in the Northeast United States. In retirement, he was an active volunteer in the community. Wilkins is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara, three children and 7 grandchildren, of Rochester and Buffalo. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to the families of both of these fine seedsmen.
ASTA congratulates Seedway, LLC, in marking its 45th anniversary in 2008, with continued growth and over four decades of seed and service to Northeast and Mid-Atlantic growers. Founded in 1963 in Hall, N.Y., Seedway has become one of the largest seed companies in the eastern United States. Seedway markets farm, turf and vegetable seed to commercial growers, including unique seed products for specialty purposes and organically produced seed. Seedway's origins began in 1923 with the formation of Robson Seed Farms, a mail order vegetable and flower seed business located in Hall. In the 1930's, a second business began operation, Robson Quality Seeds, serving as the marketing arm of Robson Seed Farms. Carl Fribolin of Geneva, NY, purchased Robson Quality Seeds in 1963, and the foundation for Seedway was laid, with the name officially changing in 1971. In September, Seedway will host over 100 dealers and guests for its 45th Annual Kickoff Meeting to mark the company's anniversary and launch the fall sales season. Other commemorative activities will take place throughout the year at company locations. Seedway, LLC, is a subsidiary of GROWMARK, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Ill. For more information, visit www.seedway.com.
Documentary Highlights the Journey of Corn, Rice and Cotton. Cornucopia's Challenge is a 30-minute peer-reviewed documentary of the three crops and their journey from seed to market. The video looks at the variety of methods used by growers to meet the challenges of growing, segregating and marketing these crops to meet differing market requirements and consumer preferences. Produced by Drs. Alison Van Eenennaam and Peggy Lemaux, the DVD can be purchased through the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Communication Services website or viewed via streaming video, through the following link.
SGS-MWSS Acquires National Seed Health System Accreditation. SGS Mid-West Seed Services, Inc. (SGS-MWSS) has been accredited by the National Seed Health System (NSHS), under the authority of USDA's Animal and Plant health Inspection Service, to conduct seed sampling, visual inspections and several seed health laboratory tests that may be required in the issuance of a Federal Phytosanitary Certificate. Seed companies can have their seed intended for exports sampled by either their state officials or SGS-MWSS staff and tested for phytosanitary requirements by SGS-MWSS. In addition to NSHS accreditation, SGS-MWSS is accredited by the International Seed Testing Association, allowing Orange International Certificates (OIC) and Blue International Certificates (BIC) to be issued. For more information, please contact Angela Carlson at (877) 692-7611.
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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Twenty-two ASTA members attended the sixth annual ASTA-USDA Conservation Workshop on March 12-13. The workshop brought together members active in the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee. The first day of the workshop, held at USDA headquarters, featured speakers outlining progress made to date on energy programs as it relates to conservation programs and the future farm bill. A late meeting with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson followed, where members received the latest update on the farm bill deliberations. The group reconvened to hold a committee meeting to review the workshop, discuss the Congressional briefing and plan for the next committee meeting to be held June 25 during the 125th ASTA Annual Convention in Orlando. A preliminary agenda will be sent to committee members in the coming weeks. Committee Chairman David Stock, of Stock Seed Farms, Inc., summed up the meeting by saying, "I want to thank you for the great job that you and your staff did to make the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee successful. It could not have gone better and speaks volumes to the professionalism and respect that ASTA has in Washington. " 
Wisconsin Crop Production Association Manager's Seminar a Success. 
Seedway Celebrates 45th Anniversary. 
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Grain Handler's Database • National Seed Health System • CSS 2007 & Seed Expo • Annual Convention • World Seed Congress |