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 Green line - nov/dec 2007
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Agreements
Paraguay is setting an example to other countries in terms of how it has arranged the collection of the RR soybean technology fee and how it is distributed among components of the soybean chain. After visiting Paraguay, members of Bolivia's soybean chain are in the process of adopting such scheme, since this country grows approximately one million hectares of soybean, more than half of which is RR. Good examples must be followed.
Computerized technology
Adapting to changes is essential and Dr. Adriel Garay, former member of the Seed Team at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), and at present chief of the seed laboratory at Oregon State University, has made an issue on it. He stressed that in order to keep up with the seed growers' needs for faster and more sophisticated seed tests, he had to adapt through the use of specific equipment and processes and posting results on the web, which can be accessed by any grower to verify results of his seed lot.
ASTA
The CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Andrew W. Lavigne, held a meeting with Abrasem president, Ywao Miyamoto and its director, Silmar Peske, in which he invited Abrasem to participate at annual meeting of ASTA to be held in Chicago, U.S. Since both associations share the objective of strengthening the seed trade within the region, it is expected that together, they can integrate efforts in the pursue of such goal.
Cultivar protection
The International Seed Federation aims at helping the seed trade on a global scale. To serve this purpose, it has just released a document on how to proceed in relation to disputes concerning essentially derived varieties. The flow of new plant varieties in the market is such, and some are so similar to others that there's a need for availability of clear procedures on this subject.
Training
As soybean cropping expands within Latin American countries, update training is in high demand for some segments of this crop's industry. Regarding this status, Uruguay, country in which there was a minimal area sown with soybean five years back, today plants almost 400,000 ha, with a certified seed use rate of 60%. The National Association of Seed Producers (Anaprose) held a special course on soybean seed production and technology for its members with the support of the Federal University of Pelotas.
Membership
The Brazilian Seed Association (Abrasem) has just completed membership to the Seed Association of the Americas (SAA), which involves seven members: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Canada, United States and Mexico. The association has as its main purpose, to encourage the seed trade within the region, which amounts for all seven members, more than ten billion dollars per year. The need for SAA was felt throughout the region as essential for the achievement of higher levels of trade for seed with a quality standard. Abrasem's president, Ywao Miyamoto, personally addressed SAA president Carlos Basso the decision to apply for membership.
All-in-one
The Monsanto and Dow Agriscience companies have reached an agreement to release the SmartSaxTM genetically modified corn, which bears eight modified genes. The new corn cultivar includes technology developed by both companies, that allows the control of insect pests attacking the plant from above and below the soil surface (Herculex® I, Herculex RW, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2™ y YieldGard VT PRO), as well as the technology related to weed control of Roundup Ready® and Liberty Link®. Each of the incorporated traits is either authorized for commercial release or in the final stages of approval.
Carl Casale, executive vice president of Monsanto's Strategy & Operations division, commented that the joint effort of both companies made it possible to offer growers an "all-in-one" solution for their demands, concerning weed and pest control. Both companies have worked on the SmartStaxTM corn concept, which is expected to be commercially available by the end of 2010.
Manual
The Association of Seed Analysts from the United States (AOSA), has recently released a manual on seed moisture testing. The publication deals with expedite tests as well as those oven-dried, equipments and procedures to execute the moisture test as well as the basic care measures for the equipment. Further information can be accessed at www.seedtechnology.net
ASA
The Argentine Seed Association (ASA) has just hired Dr. Miguel Rapela as its CEO. Dr. Rapela has worked in the seed sector for a long time and holds a vast experience on issues like cultivar protection, having participated in committees at the International Seed Federation. He has also been part of the professional staff at the Relmó company. ASA has incorporated an expert executive director.
Workshop
The Ministry of Agriculture in Brazil sponsored, in association with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), a workshop on seed sampling which was held in last October. The aim was to capacitate technical staff at the Seed Testing Laboratory to comply with ISTA regulations concerning the standards for the international seed trade. At this time the only seed laboratory to be certified by ISTA is that of the Matsuda company, but the country policy is to have several accredited seed labs in the near future.
Bolivia
The evolution of the seed production in Bolivia for the past 25 years deserves international acknowledgement. In 1982 the country imported practically all the seed necessary; at present they produce over 50,000 tons of seed that cover internal demand and exports. This was possible due to legislative and structural modifications, as well as investment and training. Bolivia has a seed laboratory certified by ISTA; it complies with the certifying scheme by OECD and adheres to UPOV by its 1978 convention. This past September an event was held to celebrate the anniversary of the 25-year old seed program. SEED News congratulates, in the name of Jorge Rosales, all those people that made it possible to reach the success.
Adventicious seeds
With the development of modern breeding techniques, Seed Schemes have been placed at the core of the debate relating to genetically modified varieties. At the international level, numerous discussions took place during the last ten years. Discussions were difficult, reflecting the existing divergences on the subject, especially between North America and Europe, and no conclusions could be reached. However, dialogue still goes on and as it does, there is hope for agreement
Cultivar protection
The International Seed Federation aims at helping the seed trade on a global scale. To serve this purpose, it has just released a document on how to proceed in relation to disputes concerning essentially derived varieties. The flow of new plant varieties in the market is such, and some are so similar to others that there's a need for availability of clear procedures on this subject.
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