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Seed E-News
November 8 , 2007
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Welcome to ASTA's electronic newsletter for members, allies and stakeholders. Please feel free to forward the Seed E-News to others you believe might wish to receive news about the seed industry. Questions, comments and your industry news are welcome — contact Jason Laney at ASTA.
Past issues can be viewed here . |
In the News ...
• Pioneer Hi-Bred Announces Leadership Changes
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FAO-Biotech News- November 2007
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FAO forecasts continued high cereal prices - Unfavorable weather, low stocks, tight supplies amid strong demand cited as causes
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USDA grants $234 million to promote U.S. food and agricultural products overseas
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Weekly outlook: Soybean prices
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U.S. Department of Agriculture announces open meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board
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Statement by Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner Regarding Approval of the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement
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USDA Agencies' News Releases
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USDA Agency Reports
| Recent ASTA Trip to China Focuses on Intellectual Property Right |
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ASTA staff and board members recently met with Chinese officials and industry groups as the beginning of advocacy efforts in China on seed intellectual property issues. The ASTA team consisted of Andy Lavigne (ASTA), Jim Tobin (Monsanto), Tim Johnson (Seed Genetics) and Bernice Slutsky (ASTA). During the October 15-19, 2207 trip, the ASTA group met with China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Plant Variety Protection Office, MOA's Seed Division, and the China's State Intellectual Property Office. The team also met with various industry groups representing foreign industry in intellectual property efforts.
In addition, ASTA was represented by David Hansen (D&PL/Monsanto) at the U.S. Ambassador's 6th Roundtable on Intellectual Property- the first time that seed intellectual property issues have been discussed at this Roundtable. ASTA will now take the information learned during these meetings and, in coordination with the U.S. Government, develop a short- and long-term advocacy strategy in China. For more information, contact Bernice Slutsky.
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Recent Staff Changes in ASTA International Department
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Alexis Ellicott Departs ASTA
Alexis Ellicott, ASTA Director of International Programs, has accepted the position of Senior Program Officer for Africa with the Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA - www.cnfa.org) effective October 22, 2007. Alexis will be working primarily on seed-related projects in Eastern and Southern Africa.
This was an extremely difficult decision for Alexis since she considers ASTA a part of her extended family and her time at ASTA has enabled her to learn a great deal about the challenges and opportunities within the international agriculture community. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne remarked, "Alexis has done a great job with the ASTA international programs department and has put the program on a strong foundation on which to build our programs going forward". "Alexis has been a strong part of our team and we wish her well in her new endeavor."
If you would like to receive Alexis's contact information, please click here. |
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ASTA Welcomes Lisa Nichols as new Director of International Programs
The American Seed Trade Association is pleased to announce the addition of Lisa Nichols as Director of International Programs. Lisa joined the ASTA team on October 29, 2007.
Lisa will be principally responsible for ASTA's international cooperator programs and other international outreach programs seeking to increase the opportunity for the global movement of seed. "We are very fortunate to have Lisa join us with the experience she has gained during her time in Washington," stated Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of ASTA. "Her experience, understanding of agriculture and education will enable ASTA to increase its international activities on behalf of all its members."
Prior to joining ASTA, Lisa worked as Manager of Biotechnology Programs at the U.S. Grains Council and previously for CropLife America. She earned a BS. degree in Ecology from Lehigh University and a MS. degree in Environmental Science and Assessment from the American University in Washington, DC. Click here to email Lisa. |
State of the States ... Minnesota Brand vs. Variety on Field Plot Signs Rule Revisited
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently revisited what they considered a "grey area" in the state seed law. The issue at hand was whether field plot signs should be considered as advertising or labeling. If determined to be labeling, the state law would require that the brand name be added, as well as the variety notation and other regulatory language, to field signs.
The issue arose last year, and it was determined at that time that field plot signs are merely advertising and therefore not subject to the regulations involved in labeling. Once reassessed this fall, the department's attorney's ruled finally that field plot signs are to be considered advertising. Thus, they will enforce compliance with the rules, as in the past, for labels, advertising and website listings to ensure that all designations are listed lawfully. It was noted, however, that if a field plot sign is overtly identified incorrectly as either a brand or variety, then enforcement action will be pursued.
Geir Friisoe, Director of the Plant Protection Division at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture stated in a memo to Pat Miller, Director of State Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association, "Our experience with the seed industry is that this is a highly reputable industry with high quality standards which does a very good job ensuring that accurate and correct information is provided to Minnesota growers." Mr. Friisoe added an encouragement for seed retailers to do their best to clearly identify their products in all arenas to eliminate any confusion between brands and variety to the consumers. For more information on state affairs, contact Pat Miller.
Registration Open for 47th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference to be held January 22-25, 2008 in New Orleans, LA
Click here to register for the 47th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference to be held January 22 - 25, 2008 at the Sheraton in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year's conference represents a departure from the usual convention pattern (days of the week) of previous years. Traditionally, the conference has been held from a Saturday to Tuesday, but will instead be held Tuesday through Friday in 2008 in an effort to address feedback asking for the convention dates to fall mid-week.
The convention will offer a variety of new elements related to ASTA's presence in New Orleans, including a special community outreach project, a Spouse/Guest Luncheon that travels to a nearby plantation for a tour, a TPC golf course for the ASTA golf tournament, and a variety of conference programming addressing biotechnology, organic, intellectual property, and more.
Click here to register for the conference. Click here to reserve your hotel room at the special group rate. For more information, contact Jennifer Lord.
Registration Deadline Approaching and Hotel Deadline Tomorrow for CSS 2007 & Seed Expo in Chicago
The registration deadline for ASTA's CSS 2007 and Seed Expo (also known as the Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference) is next Thursday, November 15. Register for the conference. The hotel deadline for the conference is tomorrow, November 9, so be sure to reserve your hotel room today. The conference is the largest seed industry convention in the world, attracting nearly 2,500 attendees and 110 exhibitors each year.
Highlights of this year's convention include a new "Exhibitor Marketplace" on Tuesday, December 4 (offering free, unrestricted access to the exhibit hall for a "sneak preview" of the Seed Expo exhibits from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. that evening), a general session addressing Food vs. Fuel for corn and soybean companies, and two and a half full days of educational and research sessions addressing breeding, genetics, and industry trends in soybeans, corn and sorghum. More information on the conference is available here.
FuSE Lounge Unveiled at CSS 2007 & Seed Expo in Chicago
Be sure to stop by the brand new FuSE Lounge on the exhibit hall floor at the 2007 CSS Conference & Seed Expo. This new feature of the exhibit hall will be staffed by FuSE Committee Members who will be able to answer your questions on how FuSE can help you educate the young professionals at your organization. The lounge will also feature Graduate Student Poster Displays, a job and resume posting board, information on upcoming FuSE events, and great FuSE giveaway items.
If you know of any graduate or undergraduate students who should attend the upcoming conference, please refer them to the Conference Student Information site. Also, any students who are unable to attend the conference can also have their resume posted by contacting Jason Laney. For more information on the FuSE Lounge or if you would like to post a job listing or resume, please contact Jason Laney.
| Reserve Your Room Today at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL for ASTA's 125th Annual Convention |
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As attendance at this year's 125th Annual Convention is shaping up to be record-breaking, make sure to make your reservations today to stay at the convention hotel, the world renowned Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL. The luxurious 1,406-room Gaylord Palms Resort, Central Florida's newest destination, celebrates the very best of the Sunshine State inside a spectacular 4.5 acre glass-topped atrium. Resort and guest room themes include festive Key West, historic St. Augustine and the mysterious Everglades.
Innovative dining options are offered in several critically acclaimed restaurants, including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Villa de Flora Marketplace and Sunset Sam's Fish Camp. Other amenities include resort-style swimming pools, nightly entertainment and the legendary Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the most prestigious spa and fitness center in Central Florida. You do not want to miss out on all of the excitement that the convention headquarter hotel has to offer. Click here to reserve your room today at the special ASTA group rate. |
| Be a Part of ASTA History- New Anniversary Year Sponsorship Opportunities |
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As part of ASTA's 125th Anniversary celebration, the sponsorships for the anniversary year's conventions (CSS 2007, Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, and Annual Convention) have been combined into one coordinated effort. The combination of the sponsorship programs allows, for the first time, sponsors to receive a discount if they are a sponsor of all three conventions. The sponsorship menus themselves have each been refined and revised to offer new and exciting sponsorship opportunities, including Big Bar promotions at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Community Outreach in New Orleans, and "Astrovision" jumbo-tron and digital boards throughout the convention area at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando next June. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Jennifer Lord at ASTA.
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| Register Today for the 21st ASTA Management Academy to be held February 25-29, 2008 at Purdue University |
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Entering into its 21st year, the ASTA Management Academy is a management development seminar designed specifically for seed industry professionals. A joint venture between ASTA and the Center for Food and Agricultural Business at Purdue University, the Academy is a broad-based managerial program designed to strengthen your skills in several core business areas: marketing, strategy, finance, and human resources. Courses are taught by expert faculty who integrate real-world examples and a deep understanding of the agribusiness industry to create meaningful learning experiences.
The Academy is designed for both decision makers with industry experience and for managers who are new to the industry. Any manager who wants to review and expand their knowledge of management tools and concepts will find the Academy a rewarding experience. Approximately 800 participants from over 200 firms have graduated from the academy. Participating organizations have represented all segments of the seed business including the vegetable/garden, corn/soybean, and turf grass marketplaces.
"The information learned through both classroom instruction and the networking opportunities gave me a broadened perspective of the seed industry. The staff and instructors were superb. I would recommend the academy to anyone interested in both their personal and professional growth."
- Bonnie Marquardt, Flower Sales Manager, American Takii, Inc.
Click here for more information or to register for the 2008 Management Academy. |
Company News and People on the Move
Pioneer Hi-Bred Announces Leadership Changes
DuPont today announced that Dean Oestreich, DuPont vice president and president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, has been named chairman of Pioneer. Paul Schickler has been named DuPont vice president and president of Pioneer.
"Given the incredible growth opportunity for the Pioneer business and the importance of Pioneer to the success of DuPont, we needed to expand the leadership capacity for longer-term planning and execution," said J. Erik Fyrwald, group vice president - DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition.
Oestreich, 55, will focus on strengthening the longer-term strategy for the Pioneer business. Schickler, who has had responsibility for the rapidly growing international markets for Pioneer, will have responsibility for all of Pioneer's business operations. Click here for more information.
EPL BAS is pleased to announce its entry into the analytical standards market with two protein standards: Glycinin and Beta-Conglycinin. Glycinin and β- Conglycinin are the two major storage proteins found in soybeans. Glycinin is a major allergen and may shed light on soybean allergenicity research. Beta-Conglycinin is a known for its possible health benefits that include reduction of atherosclerosis, Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), and appetite suppression.
Courtney Goodwin, a senior intern from Millikin University has helped to facilitate the launch of the new standards line. Courtney is originally from Maryland Heights, MO a small suburb located in North St. Louis County. Courtney is getting his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Business emphasis. This unique combination of science and business has helped Courtney market and sell the soy protein product line. Click here for more information about EPL BAS, Glycinin or Beta- Conglycinin.
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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