20 / SEEDWORLD.COM JANUARY 2018 companies coming together, and AG retailers coming together is putting more pressure on seed prices. This is affecting the economics of the independent seed producer and seller. And, third, there are outside organizations that are trying to be disruptors in the marketplace.” When asked what can be done to overcome these challenges, he says, “Our companies endure the ag economy, just like the farmers. It is outside of our con- trol. However, independent seed compa- nies have always been fast to move and able to adjust quickly to changing market conditions. That is definitely a strength.” When speaking about IPSA’s achieve- ments, Martin is very proud of the research the association has conducted over the past decade—and continues to do. IPSA has managed a competitive research program that helps members evaluate seed treatments and seed CELEBRATING ITS 30TH anniversary next year in 2019, the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) has seen many changes over the past three decades as it navigated its way through the ebbs and flows of the seed industry. And while change in inevitable, IPSA’s stance has remained constant: to promote the interests and capability of independently- owned companies. At the helm of IPSA’s ship since early 2015, Todd Martin is ensuring that its mem- bers not only survive, but thrive in this competitive industry with its increasing consolidation, regulation, and technology. Martin came to IPSA from Syngenta where he has worked since 1990 in vari- ous sales, marketing, business develop- ment and global traits roles. “Todd is a savvy, intuitive leader always on the look-out for win-wins,” says John Dombrosky, CEO of AgTech Accelerator, and a former business part- ner of Martin. “When working with Todd on busi- ness development projects, mergers and acquisitions, or licensing deals, I always felt more confident we could succeed. He brings energy, passion and acumen to deals and third-party interactions.” Achievements and Challenges When asked about IPSA’s main activities over the past year, Martin says the board has been diligently working to help seed companies become more sustainable and to develop their business, especially in this era of ag consolidation. He cites three main challenges the industry is facing. “First, underlying commodity price pressure and the farm economy is affect- ing the seed companies,” he says. “Second, AG consolidation with big multinational At the helm of this association since early 2015, this busy veteran agribusinessman continues to assure that its members not only survive, but thrive in the seed industry. Lisa Kopochinski lisakop@sbcglobal.net MEET IPSA CEO TODD MARTIN enhancement with research locations on member and third-party sites across the country. And, while this may not be new, he is striving to make it even better. “We are taking the time to look at what we can do differently to make it more valuable for members and par- ticipating companies. We’re looking to pull out a more robust data set and help companies in their decision-making pro- cess. Can they find something that works better than what they are currently using? Can they find something that is more eco- nomical than what they are using, but just as good? These are the types of ques- tions we are asking to shape the research program moving forward.” Scholarships remain a big part of IPSA as it continues its efforts to attract young people to the industry. Martin says the efforts of the education committee have really paid off — especially in the last few years under Committee Chair Shane Ohide. For instance, the association went from receiving just 10 scholarship applica- tions a couple of years ago to more than 180 applications in 2017. “We went from giving $1,500 in schol- arships to giving $10,000 in scholarships this year.” Martin hopes to be able to con- tinue to grow the program to a $20,000 level in the coming years. “It’s exciting to see younger genera- tions really becoming part of the seed industry,” he continues. “We see this as part of our continuing education platform. We have younger generations coming into these family operations and not just working in the warehouse, but becom- ing part of the management teams. It is paramount for us to help train, promote, sponsor and educate the next genera- tion.” SW Todd Martin, CEO of the Independent Professional Seed Association.