IPSA Member Dues
Please remember your membership for 2020/2021!
Call the office if you have a question on the renewal process, 870-336-0777
Thank you for your continued membership and support of IPSA.
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'The Spirit of Independence'!
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"The Spirit of Independence" is still in planning for January 18-21 at the JW Marriott at Starr Pass in Tucson.
The IPSA Board has voted in favor of offering a hybrid version on the Annual Conference, which means we will simulcast our main stage events.
As previously announced we have again booked Association Favorite, Peter Zeihan to speak about the world changes from Covid and the 2020 Election. Peter has just introduced his 3rd book, Disunited Nations.
Registration will open in September so be on the look out for an announcement soon! Until then, mark you calendar for January 18-21 at the JW Marriott at Starr Pass in Tucson!
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From ASTA: Update on Unsolicited Seed Shipments |
ASTA staff had the opportunity to meet with APHIS officials to receive an update on the investigation into the unsolicited seed shipments received across the U.S. APHIS is aware of more than 20,000 reports of people receiving unsolicited seed shipments, and the agency has received more than 10,000 packages for testing. To date, more than 3,000 packages have been tested and more than 4,000 different types of seed have been identified. APHIS has confirmed that over 95% of the packages came from China. It's also worth noting that these unsolicited seed shipments have been reported by other countries in addition to the U.S.
During the ongoing testing process, APHIS has identified a number of seed types, primarily including: fruits, vegetables and herbs, in addition to some ornamentals and weeds. Pospiviroids, potato spindle tuber viroid, larvae of various beetles, and some noxious weeds have also been identified.
APHIS has reached out to Chinese counterparts to provide information on its findings. It is also working with e-commerce companies on measures to prevent this issue from happening in the future. Effective September 3, Amazon will remove listings for live plants and seeds for planting that are offered and fulfilled by non-U.S. residents. Beginning on September 30, 2020, Amazon will remove listings for live plants and seeds for planting that are offered by non-U.S. residents who are using Fulfillment by Amazon and have an inventory in one of Amazon's fulfillment centers. APHIS expects that other e-commerce companies will follow Amazon's lead. Additionally, while APHIS still believes the unsolicited seeds were sent as part of a brushing scam, other government agencies are involved from a homeland security standpoint.
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EPA Publishes Proposed Rule on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy |
On Tuesday, September 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule “to streamline the regulation of certain plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) that pose no risks of concern to humans or the environment.” The proposed rule will be available for public comment for 60 days. The action is pursuant to President Trump’s 2019 Executive Order which called for EPA, USDA and FDA to work together to streamline regulatory policies around products of agriculture biotechnology.
ASTA appreciates the work of EPA in taking this important step to provide clarity and work towards cross-agency alignment around plant breeding innovation policies. Through its committee and working group process, ASTA will review the proposed rule and provide comments on the proposal. The association remains committed to continuing to work closely with the administration, industry and the broader public and private plant breeding community to ensure commercial viability and widespread access by producers to the latest plant breeding tools, both here and around the globe.
Under the proposal, EPA is calling for an exemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) for certain PIPs created through biotechnology. The Agency has preliminarily determined that these substances meeting the exemption criteria have no risks of concern to humans or the environment. EPA would require developers of PIPs to submit either a self-determination letter or a request for EPA confirmation that their PIP meets the criteria for exemption; a developer could also submit both.
“Over the history of plant breeding, breeders have reliably integrated evolving techniques with long-established practices to safely and effectively meet the changing needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “Today, we face unprecedented challenges that threaten the future of our planet and food supply; and it’s more critical than ever that U.S. farmers have access to the latest innovations, like gene editing, to keep pace with the challenges of today and the future.”
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AGRI-PULSE: EPA moves to ease regulation of pest-resistant crops |
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to exempt from its regulation some biotech crops that are genetically engineered to be toxic to damaging insects and other plant pests.
EPA, which shares regulation of agricultural biotechnology with USDA and the Food and Drug Administration, must approve the commercialization of plants that are engineered to have pesticidal properties, formally known as “plant-incorporated pesticides.” EPA-approved varieties of corn, cotton and other crops that contain an insect-killing Bt toxin have been in wide use in the United States for more than two decades.
Under a proposed rule released Tuesday, biotech crops engineered to contain pesticidal substances would be exempt from EPA relegation if they could have been produced through conventional breeding and pose no greater risk than crops that meet the agency’s safety requirements.
Plant developers that believe their products meet the exemption criteria would be required to notify the agency in a self-determination or ask the EPA to confirm that the exemption applies.
“This new rule will provide critical new tools for America’s farmers as they work to increase agricultural productivity, improve the nutritional value and quality of crops, fight pests and diseases, and boost food safety,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
“Embracing this technology through a transparent, consistent and science-based process is long overdue, and will secure benefits to American agriculture well into the future.”
The agency will take public comments on the rule for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, which represents biotech companies, welcomed the rule’s release. “BIO strongly believes these modernized regulatory approaches must be science-based and provide meaningful transparency to consumers so we can establish a system that drives innovation over the long term,” said Clint Nesbitt, the group’s senior director of science and regulatory affairs for food and agriculture.
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ASTA's Andy LaVigne Talks Seed Issues on AGRI-PULSE Open Mic |
ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne was the guest on Agri-Pulse’s Open Mic earlier this month. Listen in to hear Andy’s take on the impacts of COVID-19 on the seed and food supply, international trade agreements, “mystery seed” shipments, plant breeding innovation policy, and more.
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Registration Now Open For ASTA’S CSS & Seed Expo Virtual |
The seed industry is ready to come together after a challenging year. While it may not be in person, there’s no question that the connections made each year at America’s largest seed industry conference are vital to the future of our businesses. This year will be bigger than ever, with the virtual format breaking down all previous barriers to participation that will allow a broader, newer, and much larger audience than ever before.
The CSS & Seed Expo Virtual will be unlike any other virtual event of 2020. It will be an intuitive, easy-to-use platform with an extended life span, offering the opportunity to view, search, and easily schedule appointments with other attendees in about three clicks. The virtual Seed Expo will feature product demonstrations, specialized tour events like the Ag Tech Innovations Showcase, and fun games and prizes – allowing exhibitors to show you much more about their products and services than they ever could have shipped to Chicago.
Register for ASTA’s CSS & Seed Expo Virtual by September 15 for “First Access” discounts. For more information and to register, visit the conference webpage.
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SEND US YOUR EVENTS!
ISU Seed Science & Technology Short Course
ISU Seed Science Center
November 6-10, 2020
Seed Business 101 Field Crops
November 16-20, 2020
ASTA *VIRTUAL*
CSS & Seed Expo
Chicago
December 7-10, 2020
IPSA Annual Conference
Tucson
January 18-20, 2021
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Introducing the IPSA Scholarship Program with Verdesian Life Sciences |
Verdesian Life Sciences is now offering a unique opportunity to IPSA members. This IPSA Scholarship program provides funding for IPSA sponsored scholarships.
Program details can be found below, and a complete information packet can be viewed here.
Ordering Information:
For current Verdesian customers, simply contact sti.orders@vlsci.com to place your SeedGraphite order. Mention “IPSA” in the body of the email or P.O. Number so that scholarship funding can be tracked.
For new Verdesian customers, please visit innovacresnetwork.com and fill out a credit application.
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Central Bag's Doug Cross Set to Retire Next Month |
After 17 years of dedication to Central Bag Company and the seed industry, Doug Cross will be retiring on October 2. Doug has been a lifelong Seedsman. Prior to coming to Central Bag he worked for Agri Pro Seeds as Director of Soybean Production in Ames, IA, and after that spent five years as the Location Manager for Remington Hybrids in Geneseo, IL.
Doug plans to enjoy time with his family, traveling wherever his wife wants to go, taking care of projects around the house, and most importantly not being on a schedule.
Doug is pictured above, along with Jeff Chalabi, presenting a check for the IPSA scholarship program at the 2018 IPSA Annual Conference in Indianapolis. We thank Doug for all of his dedication to IPSA and the seed industry through the years and wish him the best in his retirement! He will surely be missed by all at future conferences.
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Sponsor Spotlight: Corteva Agriscience |
This month we are highlighting our Diamond Sponsor, Corteva Agriscience! IPSA appreciates our sponsors and the support they give to help us bring more value to our members. |
Al Carlson
Corteva Licensing & Distribution Leader
Al Carlson leads the Licensing & Distribution team for Corteva Agriscience in the U.S. where he is responsible for helping independent seed companies promote Corteva Agriscience traits and genetics. . Al grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota. He has spent 25 years in the seed business and joined legacy Dow AgroSciences in 2010 where he has worked as the soybean business leader and regional brand leader.
“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with independent seed companies. Prior to coming to work for Corteva Agriscience, I managed a seed business as a licensee and I know some of the challenges they face. Our goal is to provide independent seed companies with new products and technologies to enable their businesses to continue to be highly successful and ensure they meet the demands of their growers as the ag industry continues to evolve.”
Al has been married for 34 years and loves spending time with his wife, Carrie. They have two children, Jordan, 32 and Samantha, 28. They also have a 6 year old granddaughter, Isabelle they love spending time with. When he isn’t working or spending time with his family, Al loves to golf and hunt. He is a big football fan and continues to cheer for the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoys volunteering on his church grounds crew where they maintain an 80 acre property, complete with two ball diamonds, a football field, cross country course and disc golf.
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Kyle Lange
Licensing Marketing Manager and Account Manager
Kyle grew up on a hobby farm South Central Iowa. He earned a B.S. Ag Business and a M.B.A. from Iowa State University.
He started his career with Pioneer Hi-Bred in 2002. Kyle is the Marketing Manager for Licensing and Distribution, he also is an Account Manager with several licensees in a dual role. Prior to becoming joining the Licensing and Distribution Team, he was the Sales and Distribution Manager with PROaccess Genetics that managed the regional brand seed companies within Corteva. During his career he has held positions in sales management, sales operations, supply chain, and Six Sigma.
“Working with IPSA and its members is always refreshing. The independence of the members is important to the industry to provide diversity and choices for farmers of today and in the future.”
He and his wife, Tanya, have two children Rylan and Ashlynd. They reside in central Iowa. In his spare time Kyle enjoys traveling with his family, going to Chiefs football games, boating and helping the kids with their 4-H projects.
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Todd McClellan
Corteva Traits Licensing and Distribution Account Manager
Todd McClellan grew up in Central Indiana. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Indiana Tech University. Todd spent many years in the aircraft industry before transitioning to the Ag industry in February of 2001 at Dow AgroSciences. He has held several positions throughout his career including customer service, Sales Rep in the Mid-South, Regional Account Manager for the Southern Region and currently is an Account Manager in the Traits Licensing and Distribution business for Corteva Agriscience working with seed companies East of the Mississippi River.
“I enjoy working with so many great people in the independent seed business. I am so fortunate for the opportunity to work with such good customers and members of our team.”
Todd and his wife, Severine of 25 years have a son Louis, and daughter Margot, who are twins. The twins have recently graduated from college. Todd & Severine relocated back to Indianapolis in July of 2019 and spend much of their free time remodeling their 109 year old home.
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Doug Rice
Licensing Account Manager
Doug has been involved in agriculture his entire life, still living on the farm property where he was raised. He launched his professional career in agricultural following graduation from Purdue University in 1987 and he followed up with an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1999. Doug’s seed industry roots began at Brodbeck Seeds in 2004 as their Business Manager, where he continued in various leadership roles until there merger with Dairyland Seed in 2018. Doug then worked with Dairyland as their Product Portfolio/ Agronomy lead before moving into the Sales Effectiveness Manger role with MCS in 2019. He just moved into his new role as an Account Manager for the MCS Licensing business.
”I am eager to get back to work with the independent seed companies and it’s why I am excited about joining this team. I began my ag career working for an independent seed company and have always enjoyed the entrepreneurial spirit of the members of IPSA.”
Doug and his wife Lisa reside in north central Indiana and are the proud parents of Ethan and Lindsay. They love the outdoors, especially traveling to state and national parks.
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Bob Wesolowski
Licensing Account Manager
Bob Wesolowski grew up on the family farm near Warren, MN. He earned a B.S & M.S. in Agricultural Economics and B.S in Agronomy from NDSU. He worked for Western Consolidated Coop in Holloway, MN as an agronomist & plant manager for three years.
He started his career with Dow AgroSciences in 1994. He is currently the Traits Licensing Account Manager for all Regional Seed Companies west of the Mississippi river. Prior to becoming the Account Manager, he held positions in sales, market research, supply chain, product management, sales management and six sigma. These positions have involved Global & USA work in the following segments: Row Crops, Cereals, Rice, Range and Pasture, IVM, Turf and Ornamental and Technical Products.
“Working with the IPSA members and interacting with the board members over the years has allowed me to get to know them as friends and understand their businesses better and their business needs. Also working with the independent seed companies and understanding the challenges they face, much like those on my own farm, I am happy that we have Corteva solutions to help U.S. farmers meet their production needs.”
He and his wife, Gail, have one daughter, Megan. They live in the Twin Cities suburb. In his spare time, Bob enjoys Nascar, hunting, fishing & traveling with his family.
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Thank you Corteva Agriscience for supporting IPSA! |
Indigo CEO Perry steps down, replaced by investor board member |
Indigo Ag CEO David Perry has left the company, it said in a statement.
Acting chief operating officer (COO) Ron Hovsepian will take over Perry’s role with immediate effect.
The Boston-based agritech firm didn’t give any further details on the reasons for Perry’s departure. Robert Berendes, chairman of Indigo’s board of directors, thanked him for his service and acknowledged his “great vision [foreseeing] how a disruption to the system of agriculture could restore economics for farmers and the health of our planet.”
Incoming CEO Hovsepian is an executive partner at Flagship Pioneering, the venture builder that spun out Indigo in 2013, and has sat on the startup’s board for the past year and a half while also serving as interim COO.
A tech industry veteran, Hovsepian was previously president and CEO at fintech firm Intralinks and software company Novell (now part of Micro Focus.) He earlier held executive roles at IBM and in venture capital.
Berendes described him as a “seasoned operational leader rightly suited to lead the business at this critical stage of maturation,” adding that he “has reshaped the organization with greater customer-centric discipline, focusing resources on four core offerings that will advance Indigo Ag’s mission and place it on a path for accelerated growth and profitability.”
Starting out as a producer of microbial seed treatments in 2016, Indigo has since diversified into myriad areas of agribusiness with the broad, self-ascribed objective of “harnessing nature to help farmers sustainably feed the planet.” In recent months it has launched Indigo Marketplace — an online exchange where farmers can sell their grain — and Indigo Carbon, a carbon credits market that aims to reimburse growers for their soil sequestration efforts.
Skeptical observers have asked whether the company is spreading itself too thin by taking on such a variety of agritech challenges, rather than concentrating on a core offering.
“The hardest thing for us is execution,” Perry admitted in an interview with AFN last month, describing Indigo as “five startups in one.”
“It wasn’t enough to just do a grain marketplace or just transport or just carbon,” he said. “We had to put them all together […] We have to be able to manage all [of our businesses] even as we are growing really fast.”
In any case, investors still seem to be sold on Indigo’s multi-vertical approach. It recently raised $360 million in Series F-plus funding from Flagship Pioneering, the Alaska Permanent Fund, and others. This followed an earlier tranche of $200 million in convertibles and debt from FedEx, Pacific Western Bank, and existing investors in January.
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A special thank you to all of our members! |
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Todd L. Martin, CEO
Independent Professional Seed Association
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