Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach will discuss the future of plant breeding innovation, including federal policies around gene editing, at ASTA’s CSS 2018 & Seed Expo, Dec. 3-6 in Chicago. Ibach will take part in a panel discussion during the Plant Breeding Innovation session on Thursday, Dec. 6. He will be joined by panelists Patrick Schanable, distinguished professor, Iowa State University and Todd Campbell, president, National Association of Plant Breeders, who will discuss innovative research and cross-sector applications of new and evolving plant breeding methods like gene editing.
The Plant Breeding Innovation session is the latest addition to the powerhouse line-up at this year’s show. Held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, ASTA CSS 2018 & Seed Expo will feature a special general session panel discussion titled, “The Majors after the Mergers: Where do we go from here?” Held on Tuesday, December 4, the panel will include senior leaders from the four large companies in the seed industry, BASF, Bayer, Corteva Agriscience and Syngenta, providing key insights on the future of the seed industry after a major transitional year in the business landscape. Back by popular demand, ag economist Dan Basse of AgResource will deliver his annual global economics forecast during the Opening General Session on Tuesday, Dec. 4. The newly redesigned Seed Expo will be open Tuesday through Thursday, giving attendees a first-hand look at the latest seed-industry technology.
Once again, ASTA will offer a dedicated, fully functioning media room with private areas to broadcast live and host one-on-one interviews. Members of the media will receive complimentary registration, and 35-percent off the ASTA group hotel rate. To register and reserve your room at the special media rate, email Bethany Shively by November 15 with your name, organization and arrival and departure dates.
