Alexandria, Virginia, USA
July 16, 2010
John Nelsen of Texas-based Rice Tec, Mike Gumina of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, and Blake Curtis of New Mexico’s Curtis and Curtis, Inc., took the reigns of the American Seed Trade Association and continue to drive seed industry initiatives forward.
Nelson accepted the position as ASTA chairman for the 2010-11 Fiscal Year during the recent 127th Annual Convention. “Sharing knowhow and creating a learning and achieving environment is, in my mind, one of the best possible uses of knowledge,” he said. “As the amount of arable land continues to shrink globally, we need to look beyond the traditional mediums for more opportunities to reach out and better educate today’s decision-makers at home and around the globe.
Nelsen encouraged members and those involved in the seed industry to continue their work in the ag policy arena to help provide a better business environment and feed a growing population.
Acknowledging the diversity of ASTA’s membership, Nelson said he would continue to be an advocate for co-existence and market choice within the United States and around the world.
“Our roots are anchored in the promotion of science-based decisions, education and the customers’ right to choose,” he said. “These roots are well placed and deserve our continued support.”
Serving as ASTA vice-chairman, Gumina echoed Nelsen’s remarks about education.
“We are working in an increasingly complex world,” Gumina said. “It is critical to our future that we have an effective association that can make sure the needs of our industry are heard and understood by audiences around the world.”
The seed industry is an exceptional place to be and there are many changes and advancements happening within, from a technology standpoint, he said. Being able to educate others about and communicate these advancements is of utmost importance to the industry and its ability to continue moving forward, he explained.
ASTA’s second vice-chairman, Curtis, quoted Zig Zigler, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” Curtis hopes to carry on the tradition of vision, insight and direction to help lead the seed industry through the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities.
“The seed industry is an innovative, growing and strategic industry that develops better seed for better crops for a better quality of life,” Curtis said.
ASTA chairmen past and present have played an important role in the seed industry. Representing a variety of crops, practice methods and business sizes, ASTA officers drop their personal and business biases and come together to generate and guide policies at the state, federal and international levels to help provide a better business environment.
“The chairmen serving this year and in the coming years are proven leaders who are dedicated to the seed industry,” said Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and chief executive officer. “Their knowledge about and experience in the seed industry will be gleaned to deal with many issues including patent expiration, seed count, competition and the farm bill.
“They serve an important role and I am confident in their abilities to guide the Board and industry through the challenges and opportunities we face.”
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