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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Priorities Intellectual Property Rights Phytosanitary Trade Barriers Biotechnology Border Procedures

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

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 , 2005

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!

Membership Opportunities $99 for new members – current state or regional members Dale Cochran, (217) Peter Patterson, Membership Director ( ) Website:

Membership Opportunities (Continued) NCCPB information ASRF information

Organizational Changes Reversed Decline in Membership Budget Improved Significantly Governance Structure Board Composition Officer Title Changes Committee Structure Changes

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

121 th ASTA Convention June Division Meetings Corn, Sorghum, & Soybean Vegetable & Flower Seed Farm & Lawn Seed

121 th ASTA Convention June 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