Kissimmee, Florida
June 23, 2008
As the founding fathers of the
American Seed Trade Association
(ASTA) did in 1883, 125 years ago, ASTA members gathered
together to mark this monumental occasion and celebrate the seed
industry's continued commitment to agriculture and innovation.
The 125th Annual Convention of ASTA is being held this week in
Kissimmee, Fla., and has slated a program of events that reflect
on the association's long history and demonstrate the promise
the seed industry holds for the future.
"As members of the seed industry, we are committed to meet the
demands placed on farmers throughout the world by developing
seeds that produce higher yielding commodities, hardier fruit
and vegetable varieties, new flower colors and more resilient
turf," said ASTA Chairman Mike Peterson of Peterson Genetics,
Inc. "Agriculture advanced through the Green Revolutions, and as
a part of the global marketplace, we are now busy shaping the
next agricultural revolution. The seed industry will play a key
role in that revolution."
ASTA members share a pride in the accomplishments they have been
responsible for, far beyond what the founding fathers of the
association could have ever imagined 125 years ago.
ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better
crops for a better quality of life. Founded in 1883, ASTA,
located in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade
organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of
approximately 750 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.
"Speaking on behalf of the seed industry, we look forward to
many more years of working together to create an environment
that fosters innovation to bring the highest quality seed to
market and to meet the needs of consumers around the world,"
said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. "It is an honor to be
part of an association that continually strives to build an
industry that is a foundation in agricultural production. ASTA's
motto says it all, 'first-the seed.'"
ASTA promotes the development
of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of
life. Founded in 1883, ASTA, located in Alexandria, Va., is one
of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its
membership consists of approximately 750 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. |
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