During the American Seed Trade Association convention the organization’s divisions conduct business and report on activities. One of those is the Vegetable and Flower Seed Division, chaired by Kent Croon, Monsanto. I visited with Kent after his report was given. Kent works in technology development within Monsanto Vegetable Seeds. Kent says that many people think corn and soybeans when they think of ASTA but that there are a lot of companies in the vegetable and flower seed business represented by the organization. His division makes sure they don’t get lost in the conversation. ASTA works on ways to promote their seed within the industry.
I asked him if vegetable and flower seeds have the same issues as crops like corn. He says the answer is yes, especially for issues like intellectual property and phytosanitary in the export markets. Another similarity is yield but there are other unique issues as well.
Kent says that his division holds an annual meeting, the ASTA Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference. It will be held January 26-29 in Scottsdale, AZ. It will be a business focus with a large number of exhibitors showcasing products for this segment of the seed industry. Kent encourages anyone involved in the vegetable and flower seed business to consider joining ASTA.
Listen to my interview with Kent here: Interview with Kent Croon