Alexandria, Virginia, USA
July 23, 2010

 The American Seed Trade Association’s Future Seed Executives (FuSE) will have the opportunity to learn about Nunhems USA and tour its facility Aug. 11-12 in Parma, Idaho.

Offering more than 2,500 seed varieties in 28 different crops, Nunhems is a global supplier of seed. Nunhems’ 1,500 employees are dedicated to developing innovative genetics and related services and building unique customer relationships. Nunhems first got its start in 1916 in the southern Dutch province of Limburg. In 2002, it became a part of Bayer CropScience. For more on the Nunhems’ history, visit http://www.nunhemsusa.com/www/nunhemsinternet.nsf/id/US_EN_7Y3HV4_History.

The educational unit, focusing on the vegetable seed industry, will kick-off with a dinner Aug. 11, hosted by Ron Amarel, Nunhems managing director of operations. Participants will reconvene at 8:30 a.m., Aug. 12 at Nunhems.

Registration for ASTA members is $100 and $150 for non-members. Registration and payment will be accepted at the door, but for planning purposes is requested by Aug. 9. A registration form is available at http://amseed.org/mtg_fuse_events.asp or by contacting Anna Burks, FuSE committee liaison, at 703-837-8140. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Lindsey du Toit, Washington State University vegetable seed pathologist, will highlight seed pathology issues.

“Lindsay will provide attendees with a more in-depth understanding of pathology issues affecting the seed industry and what measures are being taken to address those issues,” said Bob Yaklich, FuSE committee chairman.

In addition to du Toit, Amarel will give a brief overview and history of Nunhems and their work in the seed industry.

A panel of industry leaders will also discuss human resource topics such as recruitment, retention, expectations in the work place and how young professionals and the industry can partner for a better future. The discussion will build upon participants’ expectations, questions and goals, as well as their experiences and approach to human resources in today’s work environment.

The day will wrap up with tours of the new, state-of-the-art Nunhems processing facility. Stacy Woodruff, head of processing Americas, will lead the processing facility tour and Brad Peters, quality assurance manager, will lead the quality assurance tour.

“We hope participants take away a better understanding of the vegetable seed industry and key issues that affect the hiring of young professionals into the industry,” Yaklich said.

“This is a unique experience for young professionals to get an inside look at a growing company devoted to their employees and future seed industry leaders,” Burks said.

Once registered, participants will receive a more detailed agenda. For questions and additional information, visit http://amseed.org/mtg_fuse_events.asp or contact Burks at 703-837-8140.
 

Website: http://www.amseed.org

Published: July 24, 2010