Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44JULY 2016 25 Since 2012, Syngenta has built a new research and development platform, focused on abiotic stress management. This includes new research testing capabilities with a specific research team looking at biological potential and focusing on drought/cold/nutrient stresses in the field. According to Faerber, it’s important for Syngenta to showcase its new products by engaging customers in novel ways. That’s where the virtual reality experi- ence comes in and participants were asked to take a tour below ground. “We are taking Seedcare to a new dimen- sion,” says Faerber. Syngenta as a whole is entering this new dimension, as its much-publicized takeover by ChemChina continues to make headlines. It’s all in a day’s work for Faerber, who’s getting used to the always-present media attention that’s been hovering over the company in recent months. “The Syngenta board has recommended the offer which is subject to regulatory approvals. We expect the transaction to close by year end,” he says. Passing the Torch During the general assembly, delegates voted in a new president — Jean- Christophe Gouache of Limagrain. Gouache will serve a two-year term as president. In this role, he is respon- sible for implementing the ISF 2020 plan, which focuses on innovation, the movement of seed, intellectual property rights, biodiversity and engagement. A member of the seed industry for 35 years, Gouache is familiar with the issues of the seed industry. Within Limagrain, he is vice-president for international affairs and chairman of the Scientific Affairs Committee. Additionally, he has served on the Executive Committee since 1998. “First, I would like to thank you for the trust you expressed in nominating me as your president for the next two years. It’s an honour for me to serve ISF and to serve the global seed industry,” Gouache said. “Now that we have our ISF strategic objectives in place, along with an organized vision and mission, we are in a much stronger position going forward.” As first vice-president, Gouache was responsible for leading the development of the ISF Strategic Objectives: 2016- 2020. He credits Alvaro Eyzaguirre’s, ISF president 2014-16, foresight for creating increased continuity and a seamless transition. “The work of ISF can only be as strong as the participation of its members,” he said. “As your new president, I’m count- ing on your support during the coming years. I look forward to taking on the tasks you have asked of me.” The 2017 Congress ISF, in partnership with the Hungarian Seed Association, will host its 2017 World Seed Congress May 22-24 in Budapest, Hungary. Historically, Hungary has bridged east- ern and western Europe and today prides itself on the preservation of traditions while embracing future innovations, according to the National Organizing Committee. The congress is designed to connect east and west, north and south and fill gaps; hence, the theme is “Growing Beyond Bridges.” The Danube flows through Budapest with bridges connecting the hilly Buda in the west and the flatter Pest in the east. About 70 per cent of the land in Hungary is suitable for agriculture. The country is a premier producer of sunflowers and also relies on maize and wheat. Hungary is a leading producer of paprika and Pálinka — a local brandy made from fruits, such as plums, apricots, apples, pears and cherries. Additionally, thanks to its favourable climate, soil health and infrastructure, seed production is a known tradition. Registration will open Jan. 10, 2017, at worldseedcongress2017.com. Companies interested in sponsorship packages should email register@worldseed.org. Julie Deering Seed industry representatives are encouraged to attend the 2017 World Seed Congress in Hungary.