1. Illinois Seed Trade Association June 16, 2004 ASTA Update Dale Cochran Central Vice President American Seed Trade Association

2. Mission ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.

3. Mission is Accomplished by Being an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the profitable development, marketing and free movement of seed, associated products, and services throughout the world.

4. Why ASTA Adds Value For Your Business Involved In All Areas Relating to Plant Germplasm Regulatory and legislative New technologies for all crops Communication/education on regulatory, legislative and technology issues * Members and public

5. Why ASTA Adds Value For Your Business (Contd.) Broad Representation of Seed Industry (>800 Companies) Go To trade association on seed matters Forum to address and communicate industry issues

6. 2004 Domestic Priorities State Seed and Other Law Activities Organic Native Seed Issues Intellectual Property Rights

7. 2004 Domestic Priorities (Continued) Farm Bill Implementation Stewardship Germplasm Funding Biotechnology

8. Domestic Accomplishments Amicus Brief Filed Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee Established Measure 27 Defeated Organic Position Paper Drafted NPGS Funding Increased – Goal Met Market Choices In place for Corn Other Crops in Future Farm Bill - Some Key Successes Conservation Reserve Sign-up Counter Cyclical Payments

9. Domestic Issues - Current Contract Law Proposals at the State Level Organic Standards and Enforcement Invasive Species Farm Bill Implementation

10. International Priorities Intellectual Property Rights Phytosanitary Trade Barriers Biotechnology Border Procedures

11. International Activities - Current ISF Position Paper on IP Trademark Violations in China Soil Tolerances – Mexico Soybean Rust Reconstruction in Iraq

12. Upcoming ASTA Meetings 121 st Annual Convention and Joint Meeting with AOSCA, June 27-30, Philadelphia, PA. 50 th Farm and Lawn Seed Conference, Nov. 7-8, Kansas City, MO. 34 th Soybean and 59 th Corn & Sorghum Conferences and Seed Expo, Dec. 8-10, Chicago 44 th Vegetable & Flower Conference, San Francisco, Jan. 22-25, 2005

13. Discussion & Feedback Recognize current members How is ASTA adding value? Your perspective. What could ASTA do to add more value? Value proportional to your involvement!

14. Membership Opportunities $99 for new members – current state or regional members Dale Cochran, (217) 485-6260 Peter Patterson, Membership Director (1-888-890-7333) Website: www.amseed.org

15. Membership Opportunities (Continued) NCCPB information ASRF information

16. Organizational Changes 2003-04 Reversed Decline in Membership Budget Improved Significantly Governance Structure Board Composition Officer Title Changes Committee Structure Changes

17. 121 th ASTA Convention June 26-30 Committee Meetings NCCPB Annual Meeting Biotechnology ASTA/AOSCA International Intellectual Property Rights American Seed Research Foundation Phytosanitary

18. 121 th ASTA Convention June 26-30 Division Meetings Corn, Sorghum, & Soybean Vegetable & Flower Seed Farm & Lawn Seed

19. 121 th ASTA Convention June 26-30 Speakers U.S. Secretary of Ag-Ann Veneman Chairman & CEO Dupont-Charles Holliday Jr. Commissioner, U.S. Food & Drug Admin-Lester Crawford Oren Haran-Business Leadership Tony Snow-2004 Election:What It Means To You C. Mandy Molysus, President & CEO Grocery Manufacturers of America