As you are starting your term as ASTA Chairman, what is the state of the American seed industry?

Generally the US seed industry is very stable.  Certain segments are enjoying growth and prosperity while others face challenges.  However, this is the usual nature of our industry due to its’ diverse nature

What are currently the major issues and significant challenges facing the US seed companies and the industry as a whole?

• Maintaining a level playing field worldwide for our members vis-à-vis intellectual Property Rights issues.

• Defending the continued use of bio engineered seed within the US which means warding off restrictive legislation.

• Understanding and limiting seed company liability as pertains to Adventitious Presence.

• Keeping native species seed production in the hands of private industry.

• Insuring the industry receives fair and equitable treatment in the implementation of rules and regulations as pertains to all components of the Farm Bill.

• Pirating of technology by those not licensed to use it.

What are the key opportunities?

• Accessing new markets worldwide

• Enhanced understanding and interaction with state and federal agencies which would result in greater utilization of industry capacity for native seed production.

• Removing trade barriers which prevent the free movement of seed throughout the world.

Apart from biotechnology, what important new technologies will have a significant impact on the way seed companies operate in the future?

• Integrated technologies such as new seed treatments combined with biotechnology will play a role.

• Enhanced communication technology will play an ever-increasing role in the way we do business.

How do you see the American seed industry evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

The industry is likely to continue the consolidation process with a number of companies becoming more dominant either regionally or worldwide.  Likewise, new businesses will be formed to serve niche markets.  The only constant is change.

Do you foresee an increasing integration of the seed industry within NAFTA?

Yes, although integration takes numerous forms. Cooperation may be a better word than integration. Cooperation among associations and agencies is a hallmark of ASTA.

What role can ASTA play to ease the current tensions between the US and the EU over the trade issues surrounding GM technology?

ASTA staff and members are devoting significant talent and energy to constructive dialogue within ISF on these issues.  ASTA will continue to take a leadership role in education, negotiation, and as necessary, defending ASTA's position.

How is the enlargement of the EU to 25 members likely to impact the seed trade in the US and NAFTA?
There will be an impact.  The EU now represents a 300 million population.  Speaking with one voice the EU has great influence on who gets to market there and who doesn’t.  ASTA will collaborate with USDA and the State Department to insure the best possible market access for our members.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the American seed companies?

My aspiration for our members is that they grow and prosper, have the ability to advance technologies within the established framework for doing so, and that companies who market traditional and native seeds do so with full access to all known markets.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as ASTA Chairman?

My major objectives are to:

• continue demonstrating the value of ASTA membership to all members and prospective members,

• fulfill the obligations of Chairman in presiding over the Board and Executive Committee,

• Support the professional staff in appropriate ways so they can do the best possible job for the members,

• provide a conduit for member concerns to the Board,

• represent the Association in a professional manner whenever called upon to do so.

More information about ASTA is at www.amseed.org

What important lessons have you learned during your years in the seed industry?

• We have a sound and enduring seed infrastructure in the US, second to none in the world;

• Hard work results in recognition and success in our industry;

• Integrity is very important in this business;

• Relationships are very important within certain seed commodity groups;

• Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs as well as multi national companies;

• Massive consolidations don’t work in our industry when basic or fundamental principles of price or cost versus value are ignored;

• Seedsmen are among the finest people in the world!

You are COO of Seedway. What would you like the reader to know about your company?

Seedway is 40 years young and still growing.
Seedway is a subsidiary of GROWMARK Inc. and pleased to be a part of that excellent
company.
Seedway distributes vegetable, farm, and turf seeds, making it a full line seed company.  Seedway, like all seed companies, is really about people and we have many fine seed professionals on staff.

More information about Seedway is at www.seedway.com
Don Wertman can be reached at dwertman@seedway.com