Davis, California
March 12, 2009
The California seed industry is
one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. However, the
current value of the industry is not known. To gain further
insight into the importance of seeds within the California
economy, researchers at the
University of California, Davis have set out to determine
the economic impact of the state’s seed industry
Between seed producers and retail customers, a seed changes
hands many times before it is planted in the ground. Indeed, the
seed industry appears to be very beneficial to the state – but
precisely how large is its economic impact? Both the
California Seed Association
(CSA) and the California Seed Advisory Board recognize that this
is a very important question to answer. To conduct this study,
they have teamed up with the
Seed Biotechnology Center
and the UC Agricultural Issues Center at UC Davis, who are
currently working to survey and analyze the industry.
Compilation of these results will aid the state’s industry in
communicating the impact of the seed industry to stakeholders,
regulators, legislators, and ultimately, consumers.
“The importance of the California seed industry survey in the
face of sweeping changes in the economy and our government
cannot be overstated,” says John Palmer, President of CSA. “Our
association strongly encourages all seed companies that do
business in California to respond to the survey as soon as
possible. The results of the survey are critical in informing
our legislators and regulators as they make decisions affecting
the industry.”
Over 275 surveys have been sent out to a broad cross section of
seed companies that do business within California. Every effort
has been made to ensure the confidentiality of the respondents.
A very good response has been attained thus far, with 10% of the
surveys mailed already returned after only one week. With
maximum participation throughout all sectors of the industry,
the most accurate results will be achieved. We ask that
completed surveys be returned by April 7, 2009, to aid in
analysis of the data.
For more information about the
survey,
where the survey was sent in your company,
issues regarding confidentiality,
or any additional information,
please contact:
Jamie Miller
jkmiller@ucdavis.edu
or
530-752-9985
at the Seed
Biotechnology Center.
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“The California Seed Association
strongly encourages all seed
companies that do business in
California to respond to the
survey as soon as possible.
The results of the survey are
critical in informing our
legislators and regulators as
they make decisions affecting
the industry.”
John Palmer
President
California Seed Association
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