Seed Today - Q2 2008 - (Page 30)

Facing a New Revolution The challenges confronting the world today go beyond hunger With the 125th Annual Convention of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) right around the corner, my time as ASTA chairman is drawing to a close. As I prepare to hand over the chairman’s gavel to Kelly Keithly, Keithly-Williams Seeds, Yuma, AZ, I have been reflecting on the evolution of our Association, as well as the monumental changes in American agriculture over that time. In 1970, Dr. Norman Borlaug delivered his acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace Prize, stating, “I am acutely conscious of the fact that I am but one member of that vast army and so I want to share not only the present honor but also the future obligations with all my companions in arms, for the Green Revolution has not yet been won.” Borlaug went on to challenge those charged with increasing food production to unite to battle against hunger. The challenges the world faces today go beyond hunger. Our seed industry stands ready to meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. What Color is the Next Agricultural Revolution? Today, the fastest growing middle class can be found in developing countries, largely dependent on food imports. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and looking for new variety in their daily diets. At the same time, there is continued pressure on the environment to find renewable fuels through agriculture, as well as sustain global agricultural production with limited arable land and water resources. Our industry must continue to meet the demands placed on farmers throughout the world by developing seeds that produce higher yielding commodities, hardier fruit and vegetable varieties, new flower colors and more resilient turf. What we must continually ask ourselves is what will the next agricultural revolution look like? We must embrace that we have a key role to play in that revolution. ASTA, representing this industry, is now in a position to raise the bar higher and to lead its members in reaffirming their commitment to agriculture and the innovation in seed needed to sustain the world’s people. I look forward to seeing many of you this June at the 125th Annual Convention in Orlando, FL. As we mark the Association’s quasquicentennial anniversary, may we as an industry also see the challenges and opportunities seed can play in bringing health, happiness and economic security around the world. fiber and fuel. Acting on behalf of its members, ASTA advocated for policies that encouraged this innovation and the growth of the industry, such as intellectual property rights, tariff reform, the Federal Seed Act and the Plant Variety Protection Act. History Led to the Green Revolution Seed has been developed and refined through advances of technology and infrastructure to provide a steady and dependable food source. But just as a seed must be cared for and cultivated, so did the seed industry. The founding fathers of ASTA could have never imagined in 1883 the immense impact their first convention of the seed industry would have on the future of agricultural development. Seed innovations, coupled with agronomic understanding, plant breeding enhancements and improved cultivation practices, have solved many production challenges for farmers in the United States, as well as around the world. Advances such as hybridization to advanced plant breeding for improved plant varieties to biotechnology give farmers a better foundation to meet the growing global demand for food, feed, “Our seed industry stands ready to meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.” Mike Peterson, ASTA Chairman 2007-08 As agriculture has evolved, so has the Association—always challenged to articulate clearly defined priorities and a plan for achieving its strategic goals. In 2005, the ASTA Board of Directors adopted a strategic plan which highlighted 10 priorities. These goals have become integrated into the every day operations of ASTA and the seed industry as a whole. However, as Dr. Borlaug challenged his peers in 1970, I challenge the seed industry of today to imagine the role of seed in the world of tomorrow. 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. 30 Second Quarter 2008 http://www.amseed.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q2 2008

Seed Today - Q2 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature IKR BÁBOLNAMAG AOSA/SCST Gary Biel Bill Latham According to ASTA AOSCA Origin AgriTech Ltd. Pipeline Auditec Power Seeds, Inc RSI Systems LLC Mill & Elevator Supply Co. Agronomix Software, Inc Green Age® Products and Services USDA Crop Projections Buyers’ Guide Ad Index

Seed Today - Q2 2008

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