Alexandria, Virginia, USA
June 9, 2014

The American Seed Trade Association’s annual convention got underway today in Indianapolis, Ind, the first time the city has hosted in ASTA’s 130 year history. The convention is the U.S. seed industry’s premier policy meeting bringing together members representing all forms and types of production. This year’s meeting boasts the largest attendance since 2008.

“ASTA’s annual convention is the one time a year when our broad membership comes together to discuss policy, hear from experts about the newest research and showcase the latest cutting-edge innovations for the seed industry,” ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne said. “Delegates will also focus on hotly debated issues facing our industry such as plant breeding, the changing agricultural environment and the challenges of weather unpredictability.”

Other highlights of the convention include a keynote address from Mitch Daniels, former Indiana Governor and current Purdue University President, and a panel featuring World Food Prize Laureates Gebisa Ejeta and Philip Nelson. The meeting will also host a pre-conference leadership program in conjunction with Purdue University.

“Having strong education and research programs targeted on educating our next generation of seedsmen and insuring that we have the capacity to perform the public/private cooperative research with the seed industry is absolutely imperative,” ASTA Chair Craig Newman, President and CEO of AgReliant Genetics said. “We’re excited to partner with Purdue University on this leadership program and to hear from President Daniels as well as the two World Food Prize Laureates.”

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. Our mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world.
ASTA’s broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. We promote the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.

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

Published: June 9, 2014