 |
 |
|
October 15 , 2008
Successful Summit Outlines Path Forward to Address Major Challenges to Future Seed Research The first American Seed Research Summit 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. Finding solutions and providing resourceful partnerships is critical because seed innovation and technology plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel. The summit held on Sept. 25-26 in Chicago, brought together research leaders from industry, academia and government to identify major seed research challenges and to develop a national strategy and action plan to solve those challenges. Over 40 representatives attended the two-day event sponsored by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the American Seed Research Foundation (ASRF) and the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders (NCCPB). ASRF President Rob Robinson remarked that the first American Seed Research Summit was a resounding success. "Some of the brightest research leaders in industry, government and academia participated in creating an action plan that promises to move American seed research forward dramatically in the years to come." Following the summit, the participants will continue to work together to implement the action plan and promote both public and private seed research agendas. Public-private partnerships among the U.S. seed industry, universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Science Foundation will advance seed technology and innovation by addressing these challenges, as well as outlining the many opportunities for coordination and collaboration for the best synergies in seed research in the United States. Keynote speakers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service, the University of Wisconsin, Pioneer Hi-bred International and the Monsanto Company provided a snapshot of seed research today and the potential for tomorrow. Breakout sessions allowed participants to identify the key issues facing the seed industry and possible strategies to address them, which were then discussed and prioritized by the group "The seed industry and our public sector partners are eager to capture the exciting new possibilities seed research can offer America's farmers and the world. This summit will be the first step in developing jointly a way forward for both private and public sectors to address any needs and gaps facing the industry so that we can best capitalize on these great opportunities," said Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and CEO. The summit resulted in an outline of five strategic goals to enhance seed research opportunities: strengthening public-private partnerships, strong advocacy and stable funding, development of human technical capacity for high quality plant research, regulatory systems that support innovation and efficiency of operation, and public awareness about the value of seed research. The participants defined key results and strategies to address each goal as well as near term actions to jump start the plan. In addition, specific gaps in seed research were reviewed, and priorities were identified. "Positive progress was made in identifying gaps in seed research, and starting the process to address these needs unselfishly by industry, government and universities," said NCCPB Past President Fritz Behr. A White Paper will be prepared by the American Seed Research Summit Steering Committee. Once prepared, each sponsoring organization will endorse the paper which will then guide future activities among the groups as well as the other participants of the summit. Robinson concluded, "It was surprising to see such broad agreement among the group as to the issues American seed research faces and the priorities we must address in the near future to ensure our global leadership in seed and plant biotechnology research. Now it is essential that we focus all of the resources necessary to execute on this plan." Founded in 1883, ASTA, located in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of approximately 750 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide. ASRF is an extension of the activities of the former ASTA Seed Laboratory Committee, which was active during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1959, the American Seed Trade Association established ASRF as a tax exempt, scientific, benevolent, and educational organization, to raise and distribute funds for seed research. The mission of ASRF is to encourage research in plant and seed biology and to facilitate the transfer of resulting technology to benefit the seed industry, farmers and consumers on a global basis. The mission of the NCCPB is to promote, technically and ethically, the interests of professional U.S. plant breeders' worldwide. This includes fostering collaboration and cooperation among plant breeding and improvement organizations, encouraging public and private funding for plant breeding research and development, recognizing scientific achievement of plant breeders and supporting effective systems of intellectual property protection. Sponsorship Opportunities for ASTA's 126th Convention Year Now Available The opportunity to support ASTA's next three conventions, including the CSS 2008 & Seed Expo, the 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, and the 126th Annual Convention, are now available through a series of menus on ASTA's sponsorship Web site. Sponsorship has been re-formatted into two categories of sponsors for the year: "Annual Sponsors" and "Convention Sponsors." The new Annual Sponsors category offers the opportunity for a company to serve as the sole sponsor for a single item for the entire year of conventions, with a wide range of options from hospitality host up to the exclusive Platinum Sponsor for all ASTA conventions. Convention sponsor menus offer convention-specific opportunities to allow companies to target their sponsorship dollars to the ASTA audience that best serves their needs. Sponsorship opportunities are first made available to previous sponsors before a new sponsor can reserve an item. The deadline for sponsors to secure the previous year's sponsorship is Oct. 31. To reserve a sponsorship, click to download the sponsorship form on any of the pages linked above. Questions on sponsorship can be directed to ASTA Director of Meetings Jennifer Lord. Assistance Needed to Complete Important Seed Industry Economic Survey Over the last two years, ASTA has been working with Purdue University's Center for Food and Agricultural Business to develop additional economic information regarding the seed industry in the United States. This information will enable us to further communicate the impact of the seed industry on the U.S. economy and the agricultural industry. In order to provide some key information for the economic calculation process, it is important to collect overall industry data regarding seed research investment and general employee/full time equivalent (FTE) information. Allan Gray and his team at Purdue have pulled together an internet-based survey consisting of four principal question areas. The survey was sent to the company representatives of ASTA "Active" Members. ASTA asks that you take the time to complete this survey, or ensure the survey is completed by the appropriate individual in your company. The data will only be used to calculate the necessary information on employee and research economic impacts. Therefore, it should be stressed that the Purdue team will only be able to access the information provided in an aggregate form and not in a company by company format. If you feel that you have not received this survey in error, please contact Jason Laney. We greatly appreciate your attention to this request and ask that you do not hesitate to contact ASTA should you have any questions or comments regarding this survey. CSS 2008 & SEED EXPO Brings More Value This Year ASTA's CSS 2008 and Seed Expo event, held Dec. 9-12, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, will bring a number of updates and programming additions offering more value to attendees than ever before. This year's convention schedule includes a new Production Workshop that broadens the educational sessions at the convention beyond the traditional scientific focus of the research conference agenda. The Production Workshop will focus on business management and operational needs of companies, including critical sales and marketing management for recession-proofing your business, reducing your business risk during unpredictable weather periods, enhancing your quality guarantees through field inspections, and more. The 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. Registration options this year offer new discounted $50 day passes to the Seed Expo and complimentary access for attendees who are in production, plant operations or similar roles or to those who have not attended the show in the past five years. Offering a sneak preview of the trade show is the "Exhibitor Marketplace" event on Tuesday, Dec. 9, which opens the trade show and is once again free. Registration for CSS 2008 and Seed Expo is now available online. Early registration rates are in effect until Nov. 15, after which the rates will increase by $75.00 in all attendee registration categories. To receive member registration rates, an ASTA login is needed. Visit the CSS 2008 Web site to learn additional information about this annual December conference. Farm and Lawn Seed Conference to Feature Enhanced Programming ASTA's Farm and Lawn Seed Conference, held Nov. 2-3, in conjunction with the Western Seed Association's (WSA) Annual Convention in Kansas City, will offer enhanced educational sessions. In addition to the traditional four ASTA sessions, comprised of the Invasive Species Working Group, the Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee, and meetings of ASTA's Lawn and Farm Seed Divisions, the conference will also include a special "Critical Issues" session on Nov. 3, offering timely and relevant updates on the seed industry's contemporary issues, including biotechnology, intellectual property rights and state and regional legislative updates. New updates on the convention agenda are now available on the conference's Web site including information on the Farm Seed Division meeting, carrying the theme this year of "Production Shifts in Forages (Effects and Opportunities)". The session will feature a variety of educational opportunities including a report on biomass influences by Forrest Chumley of Edenspace, a presentation on fertilizer pricing impact on forages by Larry Unruh of the American Plant Food Corporation, a discussion on nitrogen-producing crops as ground cover by Dan Towery of Ag Conservation Solutions, LLC, a report on colony collapse disorder and invasive species by Leslie Cahill of ASTA, and a report on the initiative to harmonize Canadian and AOSA seed testing methods by Anita Hall of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. The Lawn Seed Division meeting will feature a presentation by Michael Boekholder, Head Groundskeeper of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he will discuss the challenges of managing a professional baseball team's turf, the potential for Bermuda grass for ball fields, and the different needs that the seed industry can address. In addition to Boekholder's presentation, the meeting will also cover various lawn seed issues including phytosanitary and 15-month testing updates as well as a discussion and approval of the new Seed Handling & Storage Paper. Registration should be completed and should be sent directly to the WSA's office (2302 East Oakland Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701) or via fax (309-664-0607). For questions regarding WSA, please contact Jesse Smart or Susan Smart at 309-664-0606. ASTA International Executive Committee to Meet ASTA's International Executive Committee (IEC) will meet Oct. 15-17 in Alexandria, Va. The IEC sets international priorities and directs ASTA's activities in support of these goals. In addition to the official two-day meeting, the IEC will host ASTA's China and India Working Groups to join in meetings on Oct. 15 with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, the U.S. Patent Trade Office-Intellectual Property Policy and Enforcement and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative-Agriculture Affairs, Intellectual Property Office and Asia Office. For more information, please contact ASTA Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols. ASTA Welcomes Progress in Updating USDA Biotechnology Regulations ASTA is pleased by the announcement on Oct. 6, 2008, by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding their next step in updating the agency's regulations for genetically engineered organisms. Regulations must evolve as science evolves so that innovation can progress in a responsible manner. As part of the process to revise its regulations for plant biotechnology, APHIS released a proposed rule to revise its regulations (7 CFR Part 340) governing agricultural biotechnology. ASTA's President and CEO Andy Lavigne issued the following statement: "The United States has a history of implementing a science-based approach to agricultural biotechnology. Biotechnology is one of many innovative tools in the seed industry used to continue to provide farmers with higher yielding and better quality products. It is critical that APHIS' regulatory and safety determinations be made based on the most current and sound science. As the science of biotechnology advances, the regulatory system governing it must keep pace. ASTA looks forward to reviewing the proposed rule and providing comments to APHIS." Please click here to find more information on the announcement and the proposed rule. ASTA Discusses with Senate the Importance of International Treaty ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne, Senior Intellectual Property Counsel Steven Callistein of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, and ASTA Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky met with Senator Richard Lugar's staff on U.S. ratification of the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources in Food and Agriculture. ASTA supports ratification of the Treaty because U.S. plant breeders and the seed industry - small and large - will be affected by its provisions. The Treaty, through its Standard Material Transfer Agreement (sMTA), is currently the only functional international framework for facilitating exchange of genetic resources. Most countries now require some sort of benefit sharing arrangement in exchange for access to the genetic resources within their borders. It is important that U.S. plant breeders and the seed industry be able to access this germplasm to continue providing U.S. farmers with the most advanced seed varieties. The ASTA team told Senator Lugar's staff about the value of ratification so that the U.S. Government, as a Party to the Treaty, can be an active participant in future discussions and revisions to the sMTA.
Nation's Capital Hosts the Atlantic Seed Association. The Atlantic Seed Association (ASA) recently held its annual meeting on Oct. 11-13 in Washington, DC. More than 80 individuals arrived in the nation's capital ready to address various issues facing the seed industry throughout the region. In addition to numerous networking opportunities provided to attendees, the event featured presentations on cutting edge products offered by new supplier members of the association; a motivational workshop that focused on setting priorities and goals and project management by international speaker, trainer and author John Kennedy; and an update on critical issues facing the seed industry by ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill and Northeast Regional Vice President Fred Mohr. With the ASA meeting in Washington, ASTA was able to expand its presence at the event including the participation of President and CEO Andy LaVigne and Director of Membership Services Jason Laney. The annual meeting also served as a venue to salute several individuals who have contributed a great deal to the association over the years. A new grant program established by ASA was named in honor of longtime ASA Executive Director Dr. John Baylor, Allen Bohrer of Newsom Seed was named Seedsmen of the Year, and Gayle Jacklin of Jacklin by Simplot was made an honorary member. ASTA extends a "Special Thanks" to all of these individuals for their years of service to ASA, as well as ASTA, and the seed industry as a whole. State and regional associations are critical to the seed industry in promoting grassroots advocacy efforts providing valuable networking and educational opportunities on a local level. For more information on your local state seed association, visit ASTA's Guide to State Seed Regulations. Texas Seed Trade Association Cancels Annual Convention The Texas Seed Trade Association (TSTA) Annual Convention, originally scheduled for Nov. 16-18, 2008, in Galveston, Tex., has been cancelled. Conference Chairman Jeff Wilson and TSTA Executive Vice President Charles Leamons toured the hotel and the surrounding area after Hurricane Ike and felt that neither could support the convention as originally planned. Wilson stated, "After weighing all of the options and many sleepless nights, I have decided to cancel the TSTA convention for this year. I feel it is in the best interest of the organization and all of our members." Jennings Confirmed as New Head of Illinois Department of Agriculture On Oct. 8, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced the appointment of Tom Jennings as director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Jennings has been a long-time employee of the agency and has most recently been acting director of the agency. He has extensive experience, serving in various roles throughout the agency for the past 30 years.
Onion Seed Destined for Argentina No Longer Requires IYDV Testing In September, ASTA was informed that Argentina was going to require onion seed to be tested for iris yellow dwarf virus (IYDV) because this disease was believed to be seed transmitted. On behalf of ASTA and its member seed companies impacted by this action, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requested Argentina to reconsider its decision based on an extensive body of scientific evidence demonstrating that this disease is not seed transmitted. As a result, Argentina withdrew this new testing requirement. ASTA is very grateful for the efforts put forth by APHIS and for Argentina's prompt response. Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) Holds First Regional Phytosanitary Workshop in Brazil. The Seed Association of the Americas' Phytosanitary Workshop, co-hosted by the Brazilian Association of Seed Producers (ABRASEM), took place on Sept. 29-30, in Brasilia, Brazil. The purpose of the workshop was to gather public and private sector representatives and provide a forum for information exchange on each country's phytosanitary requirements and regulatory processes for seed. Approximately 80 public and private sector participants attended from SAA member countries of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, U.S. and Uruguay, as well as Paraguay. Dr. Adelaida Harries, Iowa State Seed Science Center, served as the facilitator of the workshop. In addition, representatives from both regional plant protection organizations, Ian McDonnell, executive director of the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), and Ana Peralta, director of the Plant Health Committee of the Southern Cone (COSAVE), were also present and key to the success of the workshop. The participants were sent a comprehensive questionnaire prior to attending the workshop that requested information on the phytosanitary requirements and regulations for the trade of seed in each respective country. At the start of the two-day workshop, public and private sectors met separately to discuss the facilitation of seed movement and current phytosanitary systems affecting seed trade throughout the Americas. Public and private sectors met together for the remainder of the workshop to hold cooperative discussions. National plant protection officials from each SAA country made presentations to the group on their national plant protection systems. Deputy Administrator of Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Rebecca Bech, of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, represented the U.S. at the meetings. The group finalized a list of commitments and action items for follow-up to the discussions held at the workshop. ASTA Phytosanitary Committee Chairman Tom Moore of Enza Coastal Seeds Inc. remarked, "This workshop was one of the best I have ever attended. All in attendance walked away with the consistent message that we can work together, industry and government, to solve phytosanitary issues. I am looking forward to ASTA to continue working with SAA, NAPPO and COSAVE to deliver on the action items decided at the close of the workshop." For more information, contact ASTA's Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols. ASTA and AMSAC Partner for Phytosanitary Seminar in Mexico ASTA is partnering with the Mexican Seed Trade Association (AMSAC) to hold a one-day seminar on Phytosanitary Regulations in conjunction with the AMSAC Annual Congress in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The seminar, to be held on Oct. 18, will be attended by over 60 participants. Speaker Dr. Noe Mones Garcia, National Institute of Research for Forestry, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (INIFAP) will present a case study on Sorghum Ergot. Drs. Javier Trujillo and Mario Puente, National Service of Health, Food and Agriculture Quality (SENASICA), Manuel Rosas, Seminis, Inc., and Wayne Wiebe, Syngenta, will be on a panel to lead discussions on prevention and control of seed disease and risk analysis. ASTA Chairman Kelly Keithly and First Vice Chairman Jerry Monk, along with Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle will attend the seminar. For more information, please contact Ric Dunkle. NAPPO to Hold Annual Meeting in Mexico This Month The annual meeting of the North Atlantic Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) will be held Oct. 20-24, in Guadalajara, Mexico. NAPPO is a regional phytosanitary standards-setting body and one of seven such bodies in the world that support the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The U.S., Canada, and Mexico make up the membership of NAPPO. Attending on behalf of ASTA will be Ric Dunkle, senior director for seed health and trade. "There has been very little interaction between NAPPO and the seed industry over the past eight years or so," said Dunkle. "However, with the rapid increase in the international movement of seed, interest in having standards relevant to the needs of the seed industry is rapidly growing." ASTA has asked NAPPO to establish a seed technical panel to begin developing standards specifically for international seed movement. Australia Deems Seed Certification by AMS as Equivalent According to the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Australia is recognizing the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) Seed Certification Program as Equivalent to their own. Since 2006, AMS, together with FAS, have held negotiations with the Australia Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) to seek equivalence for non-phytosanitary seed testing certification procedures (noxious weed identification, purity and germination). Australia's adoption of a private system known as International Seed Testing Association created trade barriers with the United States. On Sept. 30, 2008, AQIS announced the recognition of programs under the system, which included the Accredited Seed Sampling Program (ASSP) and Accredited Seed Laboratory (ASL) Program. This recognition by AQIS will allow seed companies who are accredited under these AMS programs to officially sample and test seed and certify it for export to Australia. The equivalence eliminates trade obstacles like duplicate testing and simplifies market access, thereby facilitating U.S. seed exports. Sampling must conform to International Seed Testing Association seed lot size for export to Australia. Japanese Biotech Regulators See Bigger Picture of U.S. Grain Export Process For most of the general public, when the U.S. sells an agricultural product to an overseas customer, the entire export process is taken for granted. The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Japan, hosted a team of biotechnology regulators from Japan who are in the U.S. to receive an update on the U.S. government's food, feed and environmental approval processes for biotech events. "In Japan, there is a general understanding about the science and reality of biotechnology and approvals, but because there are always new developments in this area and government officials rotate every few years it is important to keep the appropriate departments updated," said Tetsuo Hamamoto, USGC director in Tokyo. Hamamoto is accompanying the team comprised of eight biotech regulators involved in risk assessment and feed regulations in Japan. As the largest importer of U.S. corn, Japan buys approximately 12 million metric tons (472 million bushels) per year for feed use. One issue of particular importance to the team is the product stewardship programs utilized by the life-science companies. According to Rebecca Fecitt, USGC director of biotechnology programs, such programs help to ensure the continued adoption of agricultural biotechnology globally. While in the U.S., the team met with USDA biotechnology agencies and related companies in Washington, D.C. before continuing onto Iowa for a tour of a corn and soybean farm, grain elevator and local feed mill. The trip concluded in New Orleans with a visit to a grain elevator, summarizing the supply chain and overall U.S. grain export market. "A better understanding about the U.S. export system and biotech approval process will make the regulators more comfortable in relation to U.S. biotech events to Japan," Hamamoto said. "Japan is one of the United States' most important customers. It's vital that we continue to maintain the relationships we have there and uphold the United States' large market share in that country."
Sept. 22-23 On behalf of ASTA, Bob Jondle, Jondle & Associates, Patents & Trademarks, attended the International Seed Federation Trade and Arbitration Rules Committee. The meeting was held in Paris, France. Sept. 30 The Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) Board Meeting was held on Sept. 30, in Brasilia, Brazil. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne, Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky and Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols attended the meeting. Oct. 1 ASTA representatives met with key Brazilian government represenatives to discuss various issues related to the trade of seed and the protection of seed innovation. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne, Vice President for Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky, Senior Director for Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle, Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols, and Tom Moore of Enza Coastal Seeds, Inc. attended the meetings. The ASTA team held consultations with Dr. Odilson Silva, director of programs and deputy under secretary for Agricultural Protection (SDA) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA), and Dr. Paulo Cesar Nogueira, director of the MAPA's Department of Intellectual Property and Agricultural Technology (DEPTA/SDC). Oct. 14-17 The AgBiotech Planning Committee (ABPC), ASTA and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) are hosting an educational trip on the beneficial impact of agricultural biotechnology. This trip will highlight the development of biotechnology crops and focus on the harvest, transportation and export of corn and soybeans from a farm to the port of New Orleans. It will include a transportation and infrastructure component, with a tour of elevators with both rail and barge loading operations. ABPC members and agricultural attachés from embassies whose countries import from the U.S are participating in the tour. ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill represented ASTA at the event. Oct. 15 Members of ASTA's Phytosanitary Committee will participate in a stakeholders meeting for the Industry Pest Information Platform (iPIPE) in Raleigh, N.C. The iPIPE is a proposed industry led version of the ipmPIPE which was successfully used for the management of Asian soybean rust. The meeting will be hosted by the North Carolina State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management as part of the "Communications in IPM" series. The meeting will bring together participants from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the National Plant Board and industry to discuss the sharing of pest distribution data for regulatory decision making, risk analysis, research and extension.
Syngenta Regrets to Announce the Death of Former Chairman Heinz Imhof With great sadness, the Syngenta Board of Directors and Executive Committee announced the death of Heinz Imhof, former chairman of the Board of Syngenta AG. Heinz Imhof passed away in Geneva on Oct. 10, aged 66, after a long and serious illness. He led the Syngenta Board from its creation in Nov. 2000 until his resignation in 2005. His distinguished international career culminated in nomination to Sandoz's senior management. Following the merger to form Novartis, Heinz Imhof initially became head of seeds. He subsequently took over the entire agribusiness and joined the Novartis Executive Committee. The highpoint of his career was election to the Chairmanship of Syngenta AG, formed by the merger of the Novartis and AstraZeneca agro divisions in 2000. Imhof's business foresight and untiring commitment made possible the new company's successful launch. Under his leadership the strategic foundations were also laid for today's strong performance worldwide. "The Board, Executive Committee and all employees are all deeply indebted to Heinz Imhof. We have lost a fine personality and a good friend, who will be remembered with great honor. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Jacqueline and his two daughters," said Martin Taylor, chairman of the Board. ASTA and its members extend our condolences to his family. DVD's on Seed Technology Training and Seed Production Now Available. The Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) is pleased to announce the availability of a set of four seed technology training DVDs and a set of three seed production DVDs, developed by Dr. Miller McDonald and the Ohio State University. The four DVD set provides a comprehensive review of the most common techniques used by seed analysts to assess seed quality. Text, figures, animations, and videos are used to explain each testing procedure, offering unique materials for training and education of seed analysts as well as others interested in the techniques of seed testing. These DVDs can serve as a companion to the Seed Technologist Training Manual. The four volumes can be purchased separately or as a set. The seed production DVDs provide a detailed description of seed production in Brazil and Chile, as well as the production of hybrid seed corn. The DVDs present a unique opportunity to understand international seed production. The three DVDs can be purchased separately or as a set. To view previews of the DVDs and for ordering information visit the SCST Web site: http://www.seedtechnology.net/DVDs.htm.
USDA
USDA/ARS
USDA/APHIS USDA/CSREES
USDA/ERS
USDA/Rural Development
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.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Grain Handler's Database • Seed Quality Management • CSS 2008 & Seed Expo • 48th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference • 125th Annual Convention |