Seed Today - Q3 2008 - (Page 28)

Keeping a Responsive Position ASTA is positioned to support the seed industry to everyone’s benefit As I begin my chairmanship of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), I am excited about the many opportunities for the association in driving innovation through seed to meet the needs of agriculture. Agriculture has a great story to tell here in the United States, and seed plays a leading role that is so critical to the success of agricultural production. We need to position our industry in such a way to respond to those needs of growers and consumers and address the challenges that may hamper our progress in reaping the opportunities seed has to offer. There are many issues that have the potential to impact our seed businesses on a daily basis. ASTA, because of its staff and leadership, is tremendously well positioned to represent the interests of the seed industry and work on all issues that lay ahead. As agriculture continues to evolve rapidly, ASTA’s ability to keep a finger on the pulse of these developments both domestically and internationally will serve each of its members and the seed industry as a whole. ASTA is active in the capitol as both the Congress and the federal government look at best practices and traceability in the production of fresh produce. Additionally, ASTA is leading efforts, in conjunction with the California Seed Association, to address any concerns that seeds possibly could be involved in the initial transmission of these pathogens that have been traced back in past outbreaks in fresh produce. Policies and Regulations not seen increased resolutions as a result of these efforts. ASTA continues to work diligently, identifying practical solutions and bringing them to government representatives with our global partners to bring about the results our businesses need. Knowledge and technology gaps must be bridged in order to effectively minimize the risk of future human food borne disease outbreaks, and to improve consumer confidence in fresh produce. Science-based research should prioritize and focus on areas of greatest exposure where human pathogens might enter the fresh produce supply chain. Phytosanitary regulations and food safety are just two of the many issues ASTA’s staff and membership volunteers are addressing. Other policies and regulations set forth by the federal, state and foreign governments, such as intellectual property rights, pre-emption, sustainability, stewardship and labor all impact the way the seed industry operates, meets the growing needs of today and enables innovation to meet the demands of tomorrow. ASTA is the association of the seed industry, bringing together the broad interests of our industry and driving the change needed to make all of us more efficient in meeting what the customer needs. Kelly Keithly is 2008-9 Chairman of ASTA, the American Seed Trade Association, Alexandria, VA (703-837-8140/ www.amseed.org) and Chariman, Keithly-Willimas Seeds, Holtville, CA. Complex Global Seed Market Where domestic and international issues intersect is where you can find ASTA working hardest. The complex global seed market network creates challenges with its many phytosanitary requirements for import, export and the even more complicated re-export issue. With the recent addition to ASTA of Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle, there is a central focal point to leverage positive solutions to these many phytosanitary issues. We can see increased government activity, ongoing dialogue and measured progress on issues from sorghum ergot in Mexico, to weeds and rye grass seed in Australia, to phytosanitary inspection and certification procedures in Puerto Rico. Frustrations still exist, and we have “ASTA is well positioned to represent our interests, lead the industry, identify opportunities and drive change.” Kelly Keithly, ASTA Chairman 2008-09 Domestic Issues ASTA has been following the recent outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul illnesses as it relates to the agricultural industry and any potential impact on seed production. Outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 with spinach in Fall, 2006 brought attention to the entire value chain of fresh produce including seed production and how human food borne pathogens are introduced into the food supply. 28 Third Quarter 2008 www.amseed.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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