ASTA E-News

In this issue:

Vegetable & Flower Emerging Issues Working Group Meets In DC

First-The Seed Foundaiton Educational Programs Project Manager Position Open

CSS Registration Opens August 1

Vegetable & Flower Emerging Issues Working Group Meets in DC

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During a recent visit to the nation's capital, members of ASTA's Vegetable & Flower Emerging Issues Working Group charted plans to address important issues and met with key influencers on Capitol Hill. The group is responsible for identifying subjects significant to the vegetable and flower seed sectors and ensuring ASTA develops plans to address topics that impact seed producers' businesses. Working group members were updated on domestic and international affairs, the Collaboration on Plant Pathogen Strain Identification project and discussed the Intellectual Property Education and Enforcement Program.

They also met with the Senate Agriculture Committee, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and United Fresh Produce Association.

Members of the ASTA Vegetable and Flower Emerging Issues Working Group representing 13 ASTA member companies attended meetings with federal policymakers.

First-The Seed Foundation Educational Programs Project Manager Position Open

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First The board of the First-the Seed Foundation has begun the process of hiring the foundation's first educational program project manager. The ideal candidate will have science or agricultural education teaching experience. The project manager will direct the operations of the U.S. Tomatosphere Project, curriculum program, career kit and ambassadors program. The candidate will also be responsible for conducting teacher workshops on Tomatosphere and promoting the program at conferences, building relationships with school systems and developing a marketing plan for secondary career counselors.

Interested individuals should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in science, agricultural education or a related field; seven or more years of science classroom teaching experience and flexibility to work from home. The initial contract will be part time, but may grow as the project evolves. The hours will vary throughout the year with heavier emphasis in September - November and February - April.

The complete job posting can be found online at firsttheseedfoundation.org. For more information or to apply, contact Ann Jorss.

CSS Registration Opens August 1

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Mark your calendars - registration for America's largest seed industry conference and expo begins August 1. Held Dec. 8-12 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, CSS brings together over 2,600 attendees from 20 countries for an exciting week of collaboration and networking. The Seed Expo is an expansive trade show with more than 150 exhibitors showcasing products from seed sorting and packaging to harvesting, conditioning and processing equipment.

Join us for an all new CSS experience with an expanded schedule and programming to fit any interest.

Participants from the most seasoned seed industry representative to new hires will benefit from attending.

A full schedule of events can be found here.

Seeding Success

It's your membership and financial support that allows ASTA to do this work and get you the information you need. Please encourage other seed industry colleagues to join ASTA and contribute to the success of the industry.

American Seed Trade Association

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Alexandria , VA 22314

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