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 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 7652 / SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 drive for innovation touches everyone who meets him. You might remember that he assumed the role of ISF secretary general when he was ISF president — something that makes him truly unique in the long line of ISF presidents. He basically kept ISF on track during some testing times. I would like to recognize Tim’s exceptional service and unwavering support for the International Seed Federation with an Honorary Life Membership.” Johnson, who began his work in the seed industry in 1976 as an hourly employee with AgriPro Biosciences, Inc., served as ISF president from 2012 to 2014. It wasn’t until 1993 that he joined IFSI — a research, product development, and licensing and pro- duction company — as vice president of marketing. Today, he is president of the SGI Field Crops Division, based in Lafayette, Ind. Through the years, Johnson has been active at the national and international levels. All two-year terms, he served as ISF president, first vice-chair and second vice-chair. At the national level, he has served as chair of the American Seed Trade Association’s Corn and Sorghum Seed Division, ASTA Board of Directors liaison to ISF and he’s been active on numerous com- mittees. Additionally, he has served on the board of directors for the American Seed Research Foundation and the U.S. Grains Council. In his acceptance speech, Johnson thanked his family, his seed company and ASTA for their support. “Always remember: Better seed, better life,” he said. New Leadership During the general assembly, delegates voted in a new presi- dent, Jean-Christophe Gouache of Limagrain. Gouache will serve a two-year term as president. In this role, he is responsible for implementing the ISF 2020 plan, which focuses on innovation, the movement of seed, intellectual prop- erty rights, biodiversity and engagement. A member of the seed industry for 35 years, Gouache is familiar with the issues. 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 honor 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 Eyzaguirre’s 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 says. “As your new president, I’m counting on your support during the coming years. I look forward to taking on the tasks you have asked of me.” Looking Ahead ISF, in partnership with the Hungarian Seed Association, will host the 2017 World Seed Congress May 22-24 in Budapest, Hungary. Historically, Hungary has bridged eastern and western Europe and today prides itself on the preservation of traditions while embracing innovations. The congress is designed to connect east and west, north and south and fill gaps; hence, the theme is “Growing Beyond Bridges.” About 70 percent 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 pro- ducer of paprika and pálinka — a local brandy made from fruits. Additionally, thanks to its favorable climate, soil health and infra- structure, seed production is a known tradition. Registration will open Jan. 10, 2017, at worldseedcongress2017.com. SW At the conclusion of the 2016 World Seed Congress, Jean-Christophe Gouache was elected the incoming president for the International Seed Federation (2016-18).