The new President of the International Seed Federation is Tim Johnson, Illinois Foundation Seeds. I spoke with Tim about his induction to the position at the ISF World Seed Congress 2012 in Rio de Janeiro. He says it’s an honor to be selected by the general assembly of ISF for the two year commitment. He calls it the “global ASTA” and is also very involved in the American Seed Trade Association.
Tim says the ISF represents almost eighty national and regional seed associations around the world. Seed is Life is their tag line.
The mission of the ISF is to facilitate the international movement of seed, related know-how and technology; to mobilize and represent the seed industry at a global level; to inform its members; and to promote the interests and the image of the seed industry.
In order to fulfil its mission the ISF promotes strong co-operation among national and regional seed associations. It endeavours to work in partnership with organizations responsible for international treaties, conventions and agreements and those that shape policies that impact the seed industry.
The ISF deals with many of the same issues that we’ve learned that ASTA deals with, phtyosanitary, intellectual property rights, co-existence and more. He is happy that English is the official language of the ISF.
Listen to my interview with Tim here: Interview with Tim Johnson