Seed Today - Q1 2008 - (Page 22)

We Are All Spokesmen Everyone has a role to communicate the value that seed provides As the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) marks its 125th anniversary, the seed industry is in the midst of exciting and historic times. Today’s seed industry is more dynamic and innovative than ever, and ASTA is reflective of this. This year, ASTA and its members are “Celebrating a Commitment to Agriculture and Innovation.” We—as an industry—must carry the message extolling the value that seed provides to growers, who in turn produce better crops for a better quality of life. state and regional seed associations, and sister organizations—here in the United States, and around the world— to orchestrate a coordinated effort to communicate the value offered to our customers and beyond. Outreach will begin through the “Beyond the Seed” program, which will educate growers about the benefits they receive through the various seed technologies made available to them. As our message continues to flourish and evolve, the “First the Seed” Foundation will provide a new avenue to communicate creatively to grade schools, high schools, colleges, service organizations and to the general public, at a much greater level than ever before. Breeding stock Building on the foundation of 125 years of the association, ASTA continues to provide a forum, a network, and a voice for the seed industry. As seed companies continue to evolve and address the issues facing American agriculture, we must continue to unite the industry, tackle the challenges of today, and lead the membership into the future. ASTA members are a driving force, deeply engaged in developing goals for our association. Active membership allows for everyone to have a stake in the game and allows us to define our industry before it is defined for us. The next year at ASTA will be a memorable one, and not only because of the quasquicentennial anniversary. Additionally, it will be a year filled with new initiatives to meet specific goals of the seed industry. These initiatives—such as the improved cultivation of our stakeholders, the intellectual property education program (“Beyond the Seed”), the launch of the “First the Seed” Foundation, and the finalization of a seed stewardship guideline—have been developed to address various aspects of the strategic goals of the organization. ticulated. The stakeholders of the seed industry are as broad and diverse as the industry itself. Seed companies, dealers, growers, handlers, retailers, consumers, government agencies, and media outlets are all important players that can shape and Harvesting the Fruit The 125th anniversary of ASTA marks a tremendous milestone for our industry. The time is ripe to deliver the positive message of our collective commitment to agriculture and innovation. The seed industry plays a crucial role as American agriculture rises to meet the challenges to provide food, feed, fuel, and fiber to growing worldwide demand. We must utilize the talents of our membership and our partners to its fullest potential. Join the effort, become involved, and carry our message about the vitality, creativity, and ingenuity of the American seed industry! My best to you for a successful 2008, and please make plans to attend the 125th ASTA Anniversary celebration June 21-25, in Orlando! “The time is ripe to deliver the positive message of our collective commitment to agriculture and innovation.” Mike Peterson, ASTA Chairman 2007-08 influence the seed industry. Many of our stakeholders do not even realize the connection they have to this industry or the value it brings to their everyday lives. We must all become vocal advocates for the seed industry; from the corporate office, to the breeder, and down to the truck driver. Only then can all of our stakeholders understand the value of seed innovations as the building blocks for tomorrow’s agriculture. Cultivation of Stakeholders Stakeholders is a term often overused and in many cases, never fully ar- Intellectual Property Outreach ASTA will partner with members, Mike Peterson is 2007-8 Chairman of ASTA, the American Seed Trade Association, Alexandria, VA (703-837-8140/ www.amseed.org) and President, Peterson Genetics. 22 First Quarter 2008 http://www.amseed.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q1 2008

Seed Today - Q1 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature: Agrecol® Corporation Reed Barker, Ph.D. Cal/West Seeds Inc. Annual GM Use Report Bt Resistance Reported Camelina Tony Harper Gayle Jacklin According to ASTA Krauter Structures AOSCA AOSA/SCST GM and Greenhouse Gas Seed Associations Ad Index

Seed Today - Q1 2008

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