b'The IPSA Perspective CEO Todd Martin reflects on the past and present for the Independent Professional Seed Association as well as the road ahead.Treena HeinIT MAY BE HARDto believe, butSince the launch of seed with those the Independent Professional Seedtraits in 1995, the situation has not become Association (IPSA) is about to begin itseasier for IPSA members. We are very 32nd year. A little before it formed, a smallfocussed on one objective, says Martin. group of independent seed producersThats to help independent seed compa-recognized the need for an organization tonies survive and thrive in this very difficult represent the unique needs of companiestime in which they exist. We fight for that such as theirs. They sent out a mailing tocause every day, making sure our collec-gauge interest among their peers and intive voice is heard in terms of protecting 1989, 80 charter members were present atthe livelihood of our members and finding the first IPSA meeting.more opportunities for them.IPSAs membership now has over 100Right now there are about 120 inde-seed company members across 25 U.S.pendent corn and soybean companies states, with a few also located in Canada, which is a substantially lower number Mexico and South America. They producecompared to the roughly 400 that existed corn, soybeans, small grain and foragedecades ago. Still, these companies now seeds. The association has another 120represent 20% of corn and soybean seed associate and affiliate members represent- sales in the U.S., and their customer base ing all other facets of the seed industry.remains loyal. Farmers want to buy from IPSA itself is a member of the Americanindependent producers for the same Seed Trade Association, the Canadianreasons, says Martin, that they go to their Seed Trade Association and various stateindependently-owned garage or drugTodd Martin is CEO of the Independent and regional seed associations, whichstore or restaurant. They know the ownersProfessional Seed Association.allows for the exchange of information,of their seed company personally; they see collaboration and the development tothem at church and at community events. strong relationships with seed producersThey trust them and return to them to buyof independent businesses) is precari-throughout the world. seed every year because they know theyllous because they are competing, Martin The time of IPSAs formation was verybe looked after. They want to deal withexplains, with powerful multinational seed timely. It was only a few years later, in thea company that values them and treatscompanies with large resources at their mid-1990s, when the advent of the Roundthem with respect. For independent seeddisposal; these same companies are also Up Reach and Bt corn traits put unprec- producers, says Martin, customer relation- supplying the traits and genetics to the edented strain on independents.ships are everything and every customerindependents. One of IPSAs main mis-Everything changed significantlyis very important.sions to therefore ensure that the competi-at that point, explains IPSA CEO Toddtion field is level. Martin. Growers demanded traited cropsTwo Interconnected Problems Government regulations, for example, starting with Roundup Ready soybeansRight now, independent seed produc- can put independents at many types of and continuing with Bt sorn. Independenters face two main and very difficultdisadvantage, and so IPSA works very seed companies with breeding programsissues. Their profits are continually beinghard to ensure that any proposed regula-were forced to adapt and license traitedsqueezed, and their access to genetics istory changes are fully and very carefully geneticswhich transformed the waylimited to a handful of providers.examined with due consideration given to they did business. Their position (as with any groupeveryone in the industry. 8/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2021'