Alexandria, Virginia, USA
October 7, 2009

Source: American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Newsletter Vol 9 Issue 20

On Sept. 23-30, ASTA members traveled to Turkey to conduct a seed industry mission with members of the Afghanistan National Seed Organization (ANSOR). The goal of the mission was to provide insight and perspective on seed trade associations, the value of intellectual property rights, certification, plant breeders' rights and opportunities for joint ventures and international cooperation.

The ASTA delegation included Kelly Keithly, Keithly Williams Seeds; Mike Gumina, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business; John Gerard, Access Technology; and Chet Boruff, Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies. ASTA Vice President for Government Affairs.

Leslie Cahill accompanied the group as they toured seed industry operations in Turkey. Members of the team were hosted by a number of companies and Turkted, Turkey's national seed association.

Team member and past ASTA Chairman Kelly Keithly summed up the trip by saying, "ASTA, in coordination with Turkted and in-country seed companies, provided an opportunity to showcase their seed industry and the progress being made. The team's broad experience and commitment to quality seed and strong intellectual property rights were central themes in every visit and discussion."

As a USDA cooperator, ASTA worked closely with USDA personnel to ensure the success of this activity and to reinforce ongoing Administration focus on Afghanistan and its fledgling seed industry.

Website: http://www.afghanseed.org

Published: October 7, 2009