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First-the Seed
Seeds are the foundation of human and animal
life on earththe foods we eat, the fibers we wear, and most
of the products we use in our daily lives are created from a seed.
As the delivery mechanism for new plant technologies and varieties,
seed is also the crux of agriculture.
ASTA's motto, "First-the Seed," expresses the
basic premise that underlies the seed industry:There is no substitute
for quality seeda fact of life dating back to the early settlers
who knew it as the difference between survival and disaster. Quality
seed is essential for growing quality crops.
Our Mission
ASTA's mission is to be an effective voice
of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and
free movement of seed, associated products and services throughout
the world. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce
better crops for a better quality of life.
Who We Are
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) 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-wide importance.
What We Do
ASTA, directed by its members, is involved in
nearly all issues relating to plant germplasm, focusing on three
areas of industry importance:
Activities include enhancing the visibility
of seed issues in the public arena; advocating industry-wide positions
on policy issues; informing members about environmental and conservation
issues and new developments in plant breeding, such as the use of
modern biotechnology; conducting meetings to inform members about
seed issues and to encourage fellowship among seed professionals;
promoting global sales of U.S. seeds; funding select seed research
programs; and maintaining positive working relationships with related
professional organizations.
Our Beliefs
As outlined in our strategic plan, ASTA's values
center around these beliefs:
- Diversity of membership in terms of company
size, products and geographic area served is beneficial to the
culture of ASTA. One vote per member company shall be granted,
regardless of size.
- Development of policies and positions should
keep both traditions and visions of the future in mind.
- Well thought-out decisions usually result
from a climate that is open, relaxed, participatory and deliberate.
- Intellectual property rights must be protected,
and members who invest in them should expect a return.
- Conflicts are best resolved via the ad hoc
committee method.
- Members must be strongly motivated and commited
to profitability and growth in the seed industry.
- ASTA must have good, visionary leadership
with strong member involvement. We must be pro-active and monitor
for new legislation and regulations.
Benefits
- Provides a strong, effective voice in support
of the seed industry's interests;
- Informs members about research developments,
industry trends, legislation, and regulationsmost everything
that can affect seed business and its profitability;
- Provides a forum for sharing ideas, information,
opinions and concerns with professionals who have mutual interests;
and
- Provides services and professional development
programs specific to the seed industry that are not available
from other trade associations.
Membership Profile
ASTA has about 850 member
companies, including roughly 550 active members that are directly
involved in seed production or distribution and research and development,
25 corresponding members that produce or distribute seed outside
of North America, 85 affiliate members that are related associations
and agencies, and 200 associate members that provide products or
services for the seed industry. ASTA membership accounts for approximately
85 percent of all private U.S. seed companies operating in the United
States. Ninety-five percent of ASTA's active members are small businesses
that report annual sales of less than $15 million.
Most active, affiliate, and associate members
are headquartered in North America, predominantly in the United
States. ASTA values and promotes diversity of membership, in terms
of company size, products and geographic area served. Each member
company is given one vote, regardless of size.
Leadership
ASTA is driven by its membership, which is represented
by a board of directors comprised of a 15-member executive committee,
all living past-presidents of the association, division chairs,
up to three directors-at-large, chairs of the International and
Legislative & Legal Concerns Committees, and ASTA representatives
to the Canadian Seed Trade Association and Mexican Seed Trade Association.
The executive committee is comprised of the
association's president, first vice president and second vice president;
three most recent past-presidents; regional vice presidents representing
U.S. northeast, southeast, southern, central, north central, northwestern
and western regions; and vice presidents from Canada and Mexico.
Committees and Divisions
Most issues are bottom-up driven from member
representatives on ASTA committees or divisions. ASTA has seven
divisions to which any member can belong, including the Associate
Members, Broker-Agents, Corn & Sorghum, Farm Seed, Lawn Seed, Soybean
and Vegetable & Flower Seed Divisions. Each division has its own
governing body and committees pertaining to division meetings and
activities.
ASTA has nine standing committees addressing
key seed science, policy, and education issues. They include the
Biotechnology, Environment and Safety/Seed Treatment and Protection,
Intellectual Property Rights (with Variety Identification Subcommittee),
International (with Phytosanitary Subcommittee),
Legislative & Legal Concerns, Management Skills Program, Public
Research Advisory, Seed Industry Relations, and Trade Rules Committees.
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ASTA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact ASTA at (703) 837-8140.
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