Seed Today - Q4 2008 - (Page 28)

Active in a Changing World Market Choices® suspended in reaction to grain export realities As the members and staff of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) prepare for the CSS 2008 & SEED EXPO (Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conferences), the world faces many challenges which we can only expect to impact the agricultural industry. phase by discontinuing the survey of grain handling facilities on their acceptance status of grain containing specific biotech events under Market Choices® certification mark and logo. Each seed company will need to work within its distribution channels and product stewardship guidelines. ASTA is available to answer questions on the suspension and will provide more details at the CSS 2008 convention in December. The Seed Industry and the Export Market As the owner of a vegetable seed company, I understand the importance of working closely with all the stakeholders of the value chain here in the United States or in the export markets overseas. My fellow ASTA members, no matter which segment of the seed industry they represent, feel the same. Ongoing dialogues with the growers that use our seed, the handlers that market their products and the processors that best supply the marketplace position us to understand the opportunities and challenges in agriculture that the seed industry may be able to address. Our efforts may come through innovation in the seed itself or a treatment to defend against a particular pest or in providing services to growers on how to best manage their risk in the field or assisting stakeholders by providing information to growers on the approval of biotech events in export markets. Whichever track the innovation takes in the seed industry, it is important to find approved markets for agriculture products derived from biotech seeds. ASTA in December: More Than Corn, Sorghum, and Soybeans help growers and grain handlers identify non-European Union (EU) approved corn hybrids which were fully approved in the United States, Japan and Canada. As the United States has rapidly developed and adopted corn hybrids with biotech traits over the last 13 years, the regulatory approvals for grain and feed CSS 2008, to be held Dec. 9-12 in Chicago, IL, offers a wide variety of networking and educational opportunities about the latest research, economic trends of the value chain, export markets, trade and intellectual property protection efforts domestically and abroad. The SEED EXPO, the largest seed industry trade show in the country, offers something for all segments of the industry. I encourage all members of the seed industry to think about attending the SEED EXPO, in particular those in seed production, plant operations or similar roles and those who have not attended the show in the past five years. A Production and Industry Workshop will compliment the trade show, offering sessions on “Recession-Proofing Your Business” with sales strategies, seed testing and weather risk management. Read more about the new incentives at the SEED EXPO on page 44 or visit the ASTA Web site at www.amseed.org. 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. “We look forward to seeing you at CSS/SEED EXPO 2008 in Chicago in December.” Kelly Keithly, ASTA Chairman 2008-09 Market Choices® Suspended ASTA has worked over the last year with its members and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to evaluate the future of the Market Choices® certification mark. After reviewing the usefulness and value of the mark, ASTA announced in October the suspension of the use of the Market Choices® certification mark and program over the next year. The mark was established in 2002 to products derived from this technology to enter the EU has lagged significantly behind U.S. and global approvals. The lack of timely regulatory approvals of this technology coupled with a zero tolerance for traits not fully approved in the EU has made importation of U.S. corn, corn gluten feed, and distillers dried grains and soluble (DDGS) virtually impossible since 2007. The suspension of the Market Choices certification mark by ASTA and its members will take place over the next year in phases. ASTA has initiated the first 28 Fourth Quarter 2008 http://www.amseed.org http://www.amseed.org http://www.amseed.org http://www.amseed.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q4 2008

Seed Today - Q4 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Syngenta Cornelius Seed Moews Seed Co. Gustafson Equipment DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred AOSCA Richard Payne, Ph.D. Lou Buice According to ASTA AOSA/SCST New Products Seed Shorts Corporate Notes ANEX Mfg Berg Equipment Popp Engineering New PVP Certificates Ad Index

Seed Today - Q4 2008

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