Nation’s Largest Seed Industry Conference Convenes in Chicago December 10-13th

Record Number of Exhibitors to Attend CSS 2013 & Seed Expo

Alexandria, VA (Dec. 4, 2013) Over 2,500 seed industry professionals are expected to attend the American Seed Trade Association’s Annual Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference and Seed Expo next week at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, announced ASTA president and CEO Andrew W. LaVigne.

“This four day conference is vital for seed companies as they seek to showcase their new varieties, traits and technologies for not only next season, but many seasons to come,” said LaVigne. “In addition to the demonstrations of the rapid evolution of our industry, this is the only time of the year that representatives from all crops can meet with seed equipment dealers and suppliers in one place.”

Attendees will see a record number of exhibitors demonstrating the seed industry’s latest technologies, products and services. A New Product Showcase on Thursday, December 12th will feature products introduced to the industry within the past six months.

The CSS opening session also on December 12th will feature renowned agriculture economist Dan Basse and his predictions for the 2014 global crop market; Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Chief USDA Scientist, discussing the key issues impacting agriculture research; and Dr. Junyi Gai from Nanjing Ag University discussing the global outlook for the seed industry. Journalists wishing to view a webcast of the session can register here.

ASTA committee meetings will focus on legal and legislative issues, biotech and organic seed concerns, phytosanitary regulations, emerging diseases and other issues affecting seed production and movement worldwide. International participation in the CSS continues to reflect the industry’s global nature with delegations from many South American countries, China, Canada and numerous other countries.

“The key to meeting the world’s ever-growing demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel is held by the seed industry,” said LaVigne. “This conference provides attendees the opportunity to network, to hear from field experts on the latest research and to learn about the newest innovations in seed technology. Without a doubt it is one of the most significant events of the year for our industry.”

For more information, please contact Janice Walters at jwalters@amseed.org or 703-837-8140.