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March 2024 Newsletter
My warmest greetings to APSA members and partners. As this message goes out, I have just completed my second month as Executive Director. As much of Asia warms up in the face of spring planting, I continue to be filled with excitement and joy as I embark on this journey with you all.
I spent my early days getting to know the Secretariat and the APSA leadership through the Office Bearers (OB), Executive Committee (EC) and members of the technical groups. I have so much to learn and discover.
2024 is an exciting year for APSA as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. Three decades is a significant milestone. Our association today is the product of the commitment and efforts of many individuals, and so one of the ways we are celebrating our anniversary is by honoring the champions and advocates of APSA. Please visit our 30 years website to read their stories, and consider contributing your own.
Aside from reflecting on our progress, our 30th anniversary is also a unique opportunity to evaluate how well we are achieving our mission and mandate. Such a “health checkup” is necessary to ensure continued relevance, sustainability, and growth for our association in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities.
Since my arrival, I've had the privilege to engage in several events and initiatives that underscore the vital work we do together. In March, we hosted the 10th Phytosanitary Expert Consultation (5-7 March) where representatives of 15 national plant protection offices (NPPOs) participated.
I also joined the China Seed Congress (17-20 March) held in Sanya, Hainan Province. There, I spoke at the Plant Breeding Innovation (PBI) Roundtable on the nexus between seed trade and plant breeding innovation.
While in China, I also had the chance to catch up with the China National Seed Trade Association (CNSTA) who is our partner for the upcoming Asian Seed Congress 2024 in Sanya on 2-6 December. We are making all the necessary preparations and looking forward to welcoming the Asia-Pacific seed community there!
My experiences in the last two months have only deepened my admiration for the incredible work being done by our Secretariat, association leaders, and members across the region – and have shown me the infinite potential that lies ahead. I hope you will join me in furthering our mission and making meaningful impact together.
For more details on the above, read my full address in our Quarter One issue of Asian Seed & Planting Material in the link below.
I look forward to meeting each and every one of you!
Ms. Francine Sayoc
APSA Executive Director
THANK YOU to our digital media sponsors
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Let me start of with an important reminder that APSA’s membership term is from 1 January to 31 December, 2024. Membership renewal can be done from 1 January, 2024 untill 31 March, 2024 (this Sunday!) to maintain your active status in APSA.
After 31 March, if your membership is not renewed, your status will be SUSPENDED and this means you will not be able to register for any APSA activities and only able to access the database to get your invoice. APSA Membership Fees are non-refundable and we do not provide pro rata membership rates.
Please be advised that all invoices will be available to be viewed and downloaded. To view, print and/or make payment for your invoice, please visit APSA website. For your convenience, please CLICK HERE to view the Tutorial presentation on how to proceed for your APSA 2024 Membership Renewal invoice and payment process.
Since the start of 2024 through to today, we have a total of 293 active APSA Members who have renewed their 2024 Membership.
Please be informed that we have successfully opened a new bank account with Standard Chartered in Singapore, details are below. And we are happy to inform you that you will now be able to settle online payment via Credit / Debit Card. CLICK HERE to view the Tutorial presentation on how to proceed.
BANK DETAILS:
Beneficiary's account name: ASIA AND PACIFIC SEED ALLIANCE LTD.
Beneficiary's bank name: Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited
Beneficiary's bank Branch: Battery Road
Beneficiary's bank code: 9496
Beneficiary's bank address: 6 Battery Road, #08-01, Singapore 049909
Beneficiary's Account number (USD): 01-0-600568-5
GIRO/Standing instructions – SCBLSG22XXX
Swift code or IBAN #: SCBLSG22XXX
Looking forward to your kind cooperation at your earliest convenience which will be highly beneficial for us and would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Komsak Kamjing (Bobbie)
APSA Membership Coordination Manager
komsak@apsaseed.org
Mr. Komsak Kamjing (Bobbie)
APSA Membership Coordination Manager
APSA EVENTS
APSA WIC Meeting 2024
We are pleased to announce the forthcoming hybrid Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies (WIC) meeting scheduled for April 22, 2024, at Novotel Sukhumvit 20 in Bangkok, Thailand. This event will unite twenty-three distinguished WIC member companies, blending physical and virtual participation to provide updates on ongoing activities and engage in collaborative brainstorming for new initiatives. Attendance to this exclusive gathering is strictly by invitation only, ensuring focused participation among key stakeholders.
For more details on meeting agenda, please visit https://web.apsaseed.org/events/apsa-wic-meeting-2024
APSA Seed Association Meeting 2024
APSA will be holding the APSA Seed Association Meeting on April 23, 2024 at Novotel Sukhumvit 20 in Bangkok, Thailand. Seed Associations from Asia and Pacific region and other regions will be joining both physically and hybrid to update and brainstorm on key issues and plan of actions. This event is INVITE ONLY.
For more details on meeting agenda, please visit https://web.apsaseed.org/events/apsa-sa-meeting-2024
Genetic Resources, Plant Variety Protection and Biodiversity Regional Consultation
APSA is pleased to announce the “Genetic Resources, Plant Variety Protection and Biodiversity Regional Consultation” to be conducted from 22nd – 25th April 2024 in Thailand.
The first two days program will involve presentations and facilities visit to National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Gene Bank of Department of Agriculture in Pathum Thani Province. The final two days of expert consultation will be held in Bangkok. Representatives from the government offices of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam and other countries in the region who are directly working on the IP implementation (Plant Variety Protection) and biodiversity laws are expected to participate in the workshop in-person. This event is INVITE ONLY.
For more details on meeting agenda, please visit https://web.apsaseed.org/events/apsa-musp-april-2024
2024 Asian Solanaceous & Cucurbits Round Table (ASCRT 2024)
APSA would like to invite you to the 2024 Asian Solanaceous & Cucurbits Round Table (ASCRT 2024) – a groundbreaking symposium focused on "Harnessing New Breeding Technologies for climate change-resilient vegetables." Co-hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), and the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA). This 3-day event will unfold from 4 – 6 June 2024, at SEARCA, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus.
Register Now and take advantage of our special discounts, ensuring that you and your team can be part of this dynamic event. For more details on agenda and how to register, please visit https://web.apsaseed.org/events/apsa-ascrt-2024
OTHER SEED INDUSTRY EVENTS
ISF World Seed Congress 2024 (May 7 – 9, 2024)
The International Seed Federation (ISF) and the Dutch National Organizing Committee (NOC) are preparing a very special congress on 27-29 May 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. 2024 is a historic year for ISF as we mark our 100th anniversary. A hundred years ago, visionary seeds men from around the world convened to standardize commercial seed exchanges and promote international cooperation to support the increased international global seed movement. This moment marked the genesis of an organization that would become the voice of the global private seed industry. Join us as we celebrate not only the association’s century-long journey but also the transformative power of seeds to shape a food-secure future.
The Netherlands, a leader in plant breeding, propagation, and seed imports and exports, will gather seed professionals from all over the world for business, trading, exhibition, panel discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities. This congress is not to be missed!
For more details and how to register, please visit https://congress.worldseed.org/
Mike Kingapayom
APSA Event Manager
Welcome to Technical Affairs update. The same as before, let’s start with the APSA-WorldVeg Vegetable Breeding Consortium.
The registration for 2024 APSA-WorldVeg Vegetable Breeding Consortium and its Annual Workshop（CLICK HERE to learn more about the consortium benefits）are ongoing. This year we provide the good benefits as last year to consortium members including15 free exclusive lines, add hybrids in the exclusive lines, more training opportunities, and set up annual meeting for discussing special project ideas. You could find more details HERE. The registration of the Annual Workshop will be closed on April 15th, so please hurry up to register if you are interested in it.
The registration of “Developing Host Resistance to Thrips in Chilli, a Multilateral Pre-Breeding Approach” project will be closed on March 31st. Please hurry up if you are interested in this project, click the link HERE for more details.
A 9-day training entitled “Advanced Technical Training on Pests and Diseases” is organized from May 29 to June 6th at WorldVeg Headquarters in Tainan, with aims to equip seed company participants with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills on important pests and diseases of vegetables, focusing on disease diagnostics, screening, management, and integrated pest management (IPM), the registration is on going and will be closed on April 15th. For more information, pls click the link HERE
If you have any problem or need help from APSA Secretariat, pls contact APSA Technical Program Manager Ms. Xiaofeng Li at xiaofeng@apsaseed.org
Ms. Xiaofeng Li
APSA Partnership Program Manager
Standing Committees and Special Interest Groups
And now an update on APSA Standing Committees and Special Interest Groups. Following is a summary review of the APSA SC/SIG activities in February:
Starting with the SC Plant Breeding Innovation:
In our recent committee meeting on March 28th, we welcomed Mr. Michael Leader from Bayer South East Asia as our new Chairperson. Under his leadership, we engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at updating policies regarding Plant Breeding Innovations (PBI) across the APAC region and outlined plans for the year ahead. Notably, a proposal was made to create an online booklet consolidating PBI regulations among APSA countries, with the intention of enhancing accessibility and understanding of regulatory frameworks. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting plant breeders and fostering collaboration within our community, as we strive to advocate for policy changes that benefit the interests of plant breeders across the Asia-Pacific region.
Let us move to an update from Standing Committee on Seed Technology:
The APSA Seed Tech committee recently finalized the agenda for the APSA Seed Technology Webinar series, renowned as a premier platform within the APSA community. With the overarching theme of "Innovation in Seed Supply Chain," the series will feature four sessions covering vital topics such as seed extraction, post-harvest handling (including seed disinfection), seed health testing, storage, and packaging. These sessions will provide participants with invaluable insights and practical strategies from expert speakers, making it an essential resource for professionals in seed technology and agriculture.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information next month. We look forward to your participation in these insightful discussions aimed at driving innovation and excellence in the seed industry.
Next is an update from SC IPR & Biodiversity:
The committee warmly welcomed Dr. Ming-Chung Liu of Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station (TSIPS) as a new committee member, adding valuable expertise to the group. Their second meeting in March centered on preparations for APSA Seed Association meeting on April 23 and the inaugural APSA IPR & Biodiversity Consultation, scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, in Bangkok. Stay tuned.
Next is an update from the Standing Committee on International Trade & Quarantine:
It was a busy month for SC ITQ committee to organize the 10th APSA Phytosanitary Expert Consultation, first time to be held in the Philippines. The consultation aimed to strengthen public-private partnerships addressing seed movement concerns across borders. The event featured discussions over two days and included visits to the seed health testing laboratories of the Philippines NPPO and the Bureau of Plant Industry in Los Baños, followed by a day-long program. With participation from government officials and stakeholders from APSA and seed associations, the consultation underscored the commitment to enhance seed movement in the Asia-Pacific region through collaboration. The event concluded successfully.
Next is an update from SIG Field Crops:
Although there is no committee meeting this month, the committee actively seeks additional APSA members committed to enhancing the APAC seed sector, inviting like-minded individuals to join their collective efforts. With a focus on collaboration, they aim for a diverse membership to drive advancements in field crops. Productive deliberations led to plans for organizing a study tour and conducting a market size survey, fostering knowledge exchange within APSA, showcasing their dedication to inclusive representation and industry progress.
Moving to the Special Interest Group on Vegetables and Ornamentals
While there is no committee meeting scheduled for this month, both the committee and the APSA Secretariat remain actively engaged in coordinating efforts towards organizing a study tour. The primary objective is to identify a suitable venue and craft an informative itinerary aligned with the goals of the Special Interest Group on Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG V&O). This initiative aims to offer participants a comprehensive exploration of vegetable cultivation, with a particular focus on urban and high-tech farming practices in Singapore and Malaysia. Stay tuned for updates on this promising initiative within the SIG V&O community, as we continue to work towards providing enriching opportunities for learning and networking.
The Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies or WIC
Warmly welcoming new WIC members, Dr. Arun Joshi from Rijk Zwaan and Mr. Atul Bhagat of Nunhems India, the committee has decided on two physical meetings annually. Members have marked their calendars for the first meeting scheduled on April 22, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. Plans are underway as WIC members prepare for their trips to Bangkok in the third week of April. This month, the WIC Chair and Co-Chair convened to shape the agenda, ensuring it addresses pertinent topics in the APAC regions and fosters fruitful discussions on various WIC initiatives, including the University Connect Program, Disease Resistance Terminology, and Seed Innovation and Protection Initiative (SIPI).
For The R&D Advisory Group,
The R&D committee is very pleased to announce the registration open for 2024 Asian Solanaceous & Cucurbits Round Table (ASCRT) – a groundbreaking symposium focused on "Harnessing New Breeding Technologies for climate change-resilient vegetables." Co-hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), and the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA), this 3-day event will unfold from June 4 to 6, 2024, at SEARCA, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus. Seats are limited so register now in this link.
On another note, the first webinar session of APSA Large Seed Vegetables & Brassicaceae Okra (LSVBO) Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) 2024 on sweet corn, presented by Dr Mallikarjuna N, Maize pathologist, AICRP on Maize, ICAR India on the topic of “Introduction to ICAR National Disease Screening facility for Corn and Sweet corn in India” and Dr Taweesak Pulam, Plant Breeder/Managing Director, Sweet Seeds Co., Ltd. and Thai Seed Research Co., Ltd. on the topic of “Tropical Sweet Corn Breeding for Asia and Pacific” was successfully conducted. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2nd webinar.
The Disease Resistance Terminology Working Group or DRT,
The bitter gourd powdery mildew subgroup and the watermelon fusarium wilt subgroup are looking forward to having a subgroup meeting in early April to catch up on the project progress.
Meanwhile, seed multiplication for the watermelon fusarium wilt subgroup in Thailand progresses in the field are almost finished.
This is all for now for the short SC/SIG updates. Thank you very much and stay tuned for more updates next month.
Kunaporn Phuntunil
APSA Technical Coordination Manager
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As part of APSA’s sustained digitalization and digitization efforts, in 2023 we’re offering active members even more ways to directly reach Asia-Pacific seed industry decision makers -- in their inbox, on their desktop PCs, laptops, smartphone, tablets, and phablets alike, through our exciting new affiliate, sponsorship, marketing, communication, advertising and publicity opportunities.
We are pleased to announce our 2023 Digital Media Sponsorship Rates and Media Kit:
Don’t hesitate, INQUIRE NOW!
Email: (komsak@apsaseed.org) or Mike (mike@apsaseed.org)
Asian Seed magazine Vol. 30 No.1 (Quarter 1, January - March 2024)
In this first issue of Volume 30 of Asian Seed & Planting Material, there is a plethora of content covering the latest news from the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA) and the greater APAC seed industry. Starting with an address from APSA President Dr. Manish Patel who recaps a productive first quarter representing APSA at a number of important Indian functions including the 11th Indian Seed Congress. APSA’s new Executive Director Francine Sayoc gives her first quarterly address, recalling her impressions from fresh visit to Sanya, China where the China Seed Congress was held, and where APSA will be organizing this year’s Asian Seed Congress in December. There’s also featured content about Türkiye seed industry; APSA’s 10th Expert Phytosanitary Consultation in the Philippines; and summaries from the 2023 Asian Seed Congress held last November in Christchurch, New Zealand. Finally, there’s a story about APSA's preparations and plans to mark its 30th Anniversary celebrations this year, as well as more timely and pertinent content and introduction to new members joining APSA’s various committees.
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