The International Seed Trade Federation (FIS) and International Association of Plant Breeders (ASSINSEL) will host their 53rd World Seed Congress in the Midwestern city of Chicago, Illinois, USA, May 26-30, 2002.

The conference theme, "All Rows Lead to Chicago," reflects the global impact of the seed industry. This congress will be the first held in the United States in 16 years.

Chicago is one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities, offering excellent restaurants, entertainment, museums, and cultural opportunities. It is also near the U.S. Corn Belt, where significant seed is produced. Educational sessions and professional opportunities will target the interests of the global seed sector, covering trade, technology, and international policy issues.

"We would like everyone to follow their ‘rows,’ highways and airways to join us in Chicago," said FIS President Dietrich Schmidt and ASSINSEL President Francois Desprez. "The World Seed Congress is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet seedsmen and women from around the world in one location and attend important meetings on seed trade in a global economy. It should be a must for everyone in the seed industry to attend this congress."

The 2002 congress will also mark the beginning of the new International Seed Federation (ISF), a merger between the FIS and ASSINSEL. In the past, these organizations have held separate meetings at the World Seed Congress. Next year, the organizations will have a fully united agenda. Sessions will be conducted in English with simultaneous translations into French, Spanish and German during the Opening Ceremony and in committee and section meetings.

"The unity of the ISF and our organization’s objectives will inspire new members to join the dialogue on global seed trade," noted Schmidt and Desprez. "Trade will continue to expand with the growing needs of developing nations. The historical merger of FIS and ASSINSEL at the 2002 congress will be an experience not to miss."

Another first this year is the designation of an official charity to benefit from congress sporting events. UNICEF was chosen as the charity because of its international scope and 53-year old mission dedicated to improving children’s quality of life, such as addressing hunger and malnutrition. Net proceeds from a 5K run/walk and a golf tournament will go to UNICEF.

The Hilton Chicago downtown will be the host hotel for the congress, offering enough rooms to accommodate all participants. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the magnificent Hilton Chicago offers guests beautiful views in the center of Chicago’s south loop, close to famous museums, theaters, and nightlife. 

The Opening Event of the congress will be at Chicago's famous Museum of Science and Industry. Optional tours will include a variety of city walking tours, an evening at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, architecture and river cruise, fashion show, Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio tour, chef demo and lunch at a local restaurant, dinner ship cruise, and trips to Navy Pier, the Chicago Botanic Garden, University of Chicago, and the city’s ethnic north neighborhoods.

May 30 to June 1 will feature a post-congress "Heart of America Farm Tour" to Pioneer Hi-Bred International’s headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa. Pioneer is the largest producer of corn seed in the United States as well as a leader in soybean and other seed production. The two-day tour includes visits to Pioneer’s modern seed conditioning plants, research center, seed nursery, Living History Farm, and working Iowa corn and soybean farms.

Pre- and/or post-congress tours will also be offered to all four corners of the continental United States with big-city destinations to New York City; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco and San Diego, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Orlando, Florida. Each three-day package will include transfer to hotel, hotel, dining, city tours and transfer back to the airport.

"On behalf of the American Seed Trade Association, we hope that you not only have a successful Congress, but that you and your guests will explore the best of what the heartland of America has to offer," said ASTA President Drew Kinder and Bob Thedinger, chair of the Chicago Organizing Committee.

For more information and registration, go to www.worldseed2002.com or contact Mary O'Connor & Co. at 630-482-2030.

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 850 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.