Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
February 1, 2013

Attendance continues to grow at the American Seed Trade Association’s annual Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference which, this year, drew nearly 800 seed growers, breeders, treaters, distributors and buyers, said ASTA Chairman and CEO Andrew B. LaVigne.

“Business was brisk on our trading floor -- buyers were eager to learn about new varietals, improved seed treatments and other innovations and solutions for the vegetable and flower industry,” said LaVigne. “But it was also standing-room-only at our general and breakout information sessions.”

Representatives from 25 countries were among those who attended sessions on trade opportunities and obstacles with China, Brazil, Mexico, the EU and other foreign markets. Other sessions addressed emerging diseases, food safety pathogens, regulatory initiatives and federal and state legislation, global market trends and many other issues of critical concern to the seed industry.

“Most of the general public – and even many in the agricultural industry – are unaware of the fundamental and critical role seeds play in crop quality and quantity,” said LaVigne. “The issues the seed industry is tackling today will literally determine the world’s ability to meet its food demands tomorrow.”
 

Website: http://www.betterseed.org/

Published: February 1, 2013