Seed Today - Q3 2008 - (Page 16)

AOSCA Notes Moline, IL • 309-736-0120 www.aosca.org Planning for the Future OSCA surveyed its members near the end of 2007, gathering information to be used to develop a new strategic plan. Our members actively participated in the survey and not surprisingly, we received a diverse mix of ideas from seed certifying agencies throughout the United States and around the globe. AOSCA’s Board of Directors and staff now have the responsibility of planning for AOSCA’s future based upon our members’ input. During the annual meeting, AOSCA members were introduced to “Access AOSCA”, a document sharing web site that will allow us to quickly and securely share the large volume of documents these new service projects generate. Using new technology to exchange information and manage projects will continue to be a part of our plan for the future. Global influence. AOSCA members want their organization to build upon the recognition that AOSCA standards can enhance worldVision Elements wide seed quality and crop productivity. We have identified four major themes—“viInternally, we maintain an Agency evaluasion elements”—that AOSCA members believe tion system to insure that crop standards are administered fully and consistently across the should be incorporated into the plan. AOSCA system. This builds credibility and alIn some cases, AOSCA is already on a path lows us externally to solicit global AOSCA memto reach the vision its members have for their bership. organization. In others, it may require us to We have seen a sizeable increase in the use develop new ways of conducting business and of AOSCA seed certification to move seed inchanneling resources to accomplish their goals. ternationally between AOSCA-member counTimely response. AOSCA members want our tries. Maintaining equivaAssociation to respond in a lency and credibility will timely manner to their continue to be a major foneeds and to the needs of cus. seed industry, as a whole. Enhanced relationWhen AOSCA amended its ships. Finally, our membylaws in 2005, reorganized bership has identified that its leadership structure, and AOSCA should continue to established a “Council” to administer seed certification build relationships and opstandards and requirements, erate as a partner and rewe took positive steps tosource in the worldwide wards efficient management life-science industry. and timely response. By offering third-party Chet Boruff, AOSCA CEO At its annual meeting in auditing and assessment July, AOSCA responded activities related to a vaquickly to changes in production agriculture riety of trait stewardship projects, we’ve moved by approving crop standards for camelina, an into an arena of expanded services to the inoilseed crop suitable for production in many dustry. Helping the seed industry manage new of the western states that may be a good future traits in a responsible manner is consistent source of biodiesel production. with our heritage of protecting the value of Information Exchange. Members want crop varieties. AOSCA to develop programs and exchange inAs the world demand for crop-based reformation on a multi-Agency, national, and sources continues to grow, seed certifying international basis. agencies and AOSCA will position themselves We had been expanding in this area already, to be a relevant part of agriculture’s future. as AOSCA offers a number of new services to Chet Boruff, Chief Executive Officer the seed industry, building upon the skills and Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies reputation gained from many decades of seed 309.736.0120/cboruff@aosca.org www.aosca.org certification. A “AOSCA’s future is a vision of rapid response and enhanced global relationships.” 16 Third Quarter 2008 http://www.aosca.org http://www.aosca.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q3 2008

Seed Today - Q3 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature Fred Miller, Ph.D., MMR Genetics Crosbyton Seed Company AOSCA Greg Lowry Floyd Hansmeirer AOSA/SCST According to ASTA Seedsellers, Inc. BinMaster Blake Sieker Ad Index

Seed Today - Q3 2008

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