The plant was opened early this month and is actually an expansion of its original R&D facility in Lipa city, Batangas which sits on a 13-hectare land. Its other R&D Center is located in Bulacan.

“We invested in it through internally general rated fund and some financing so we can improve our breeding. (I think) there is no facility like this yet in the Philippines. And what we have in the Philippines now is comparable to what we have in Thailand now,” said Ric M. Reyes, EWSC product manager, in an interview.

EWSC, a multinational company also present in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and China, has its headquarters in Thailand.
Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/244922/east-west-seeds-opens-p80m-rd-center

To get an in-depth overview of Hybrid Vegetable Seed outlook, join Mr Glenn Pardede, Director of East West Seeds Corp. as he presents a  paper on:

Vegetable Seed Market Outlook in Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & India

• Vegetable production, Quality control and certification of seed vegetables in the region.
• The impact of improved vegetable farming technology on small farmers’income in tropical Asia.
• How could Asia respond to the challenge of seed vegetable production.
• Prospects for the seed vegetable market and future traits commercialization.

For updated agenda, please click here

The Agribiotech and SEED Markets conference aims to provide the answers and insights to concerns pertaining to:

• types of agribiotech being developed
• how innovations are being used across seed types to drive up yield and reduce input costs
• mechanisms in place for reducing technical barriers to trade and facilitate trade in seed and many more.

Participants at the meet can look forward to discover all about size of the seeds market, current major players and their strategies, primary growth drivers and key issues facing the industry.

Apart from anticipated updates from ASEAN government agencies, as well as presentations on China and India’s seed regulatory framework, recent plans to commercialize agribiotech and prospects for investment, this Jakarta event from October 12-13, 2010, will also provide assessments of current project pipeline, public-private partnership, key technology and seed trait work.

Contributing as speakers at this meet are  key industry players like Bayer Cropscience, slated to talk about their hybrid rice, as well as Syngenta, East West Seed, International Organization ISAAA plus many others.

To register for AgriBiotech & SEED Markets or to explore sponsorship & media exchange opportunities, please contact Grace at grace@cmtsp.com.sg

The conference from October 12-13, 2010, will provide assessments of current project pipeline, public-private partnership, key technology and seed trait work, updates from government agencies in ASEAN, China and India on their seed regulatory framework and recent plans to commercialize agribiotech and prospects for investment.

Also, for the benefit of informing and educating participants, the AgriBiotech and SEED Markets conference has scheduled a session on the role of OECD Schemes for International Certification of Seed and Trade as well as the procedures of joining the OECD.

To see the full event schedule for the conference, please click here or email grace@cmtsp.com.sg for more details.

Prior to joining OECD, Mr. Ryan worked as an agricultural policy analyst in the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. Ryan joined OECD in 1992 and has been responsible for completing several agricultural policy reviews, has regularly contributing to the OECD annual Monitoring Report of agricultural policies, and has led the work under the Baltic Regional Programme and the South East Asia Programme. In addition, he was team leader of the project on examining the policy impacts of modern biotechnology in developing countries. Michael Ryan was appointed Head of the OECD Codes and Schemes in 2006.

Agribiotech & SEED Markets Jakarta Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, Oct 13
11:30  Role of the OECD Schemes for International Certification of Seed and Trade

Agribiotech & SEED Markets conference analyses technology innovations in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries to increase crop yields, and assess the latest regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable agriculture. To find more about AgriBiotech & Seed Markets in Jakarta from Oct 12 to 13, 2010, please visit http://www.worldgrainstrade.com/agribiotech

Other professional experience includes set-up the University of Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Genome Centre, and management of 2 start-up ventures developing Bioinformatics Software and Pre-natal Genetic Testing. Additionally, at Sime Darby he was responsible for: setting-up the biotechnology Section for the Sime Darby Technology Centre (genetic testing for Leukaemia and pre-post bone marrow transplanting monitoring for the Subang Jaya Medical Centre), for project managing the Northern Corridor Economic Region Project (NCER) on large scale farming, and for developing an agri- entrepreneur program.

Dr. Tan holds a B.Sc. in Plant Pathology from the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, a M.Sc in Genetic Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (Plant Virus) from Okayama University in Japan. Professional recognition includes a Silver Award at the 2005 Geneva Intl Exhibitions & Inventions of New Techniques and Products, a US Government Cochran Fellowship for biological research at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, and UPM awards for Research & Development

Agribiotech & SEED Markets Jakarta Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, Oct 13
11:00  Protection of Varieties of Agricultural Plants

Agribiotech & SEED Markets conference analyses technology innovations in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries to increase crop yields, and assess the latest regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable agriculture. To find more about AgriBiotech & Seed Markets in Jakarta from Oct 12 to 13, 2010, please visit http://www.worldgrainstrade.com/agribiotech

Before joining Cornell University, Frank worked as the Global Cotton Traits Technical Manager with Novartis and later Syngenta from 1998-2004 where he built a cotton biotechnology program that resulted in the development of trait-based product using the insecticidal protein Vip3A (VipCotTM).

Prior to Syngenta, Frank held the positions of Research Associate and Research Fellow at the University of Washington’s Department of Medical Genetics.  In these positions, he conducted research on human gene therapy applications with an emphasis on developing gene-based therapies for treatment of patients with hematopoietic diseases such a sickle cell anemia and b-thalasemia.

Frank Shotkoski earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Entomology from the University of Minnesota in 1992 and Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska in 1988 and 1984, respectively.  He has received additional training in numerous professional project management and business development programs.

He is the author of many referred publications, numerous abstracts and several book chapters.  Frank is a senior level biotechnology project and business development professional specializing in product development and commercialization of genetically engineered trait-based crop products.  His expertise stems from 20 years of academic and industrial experience in both medical and agricultural biotechnology.

Agribiotech & SEED Markets Jakarta Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, Oct 12
15:05  Agriculture Biotechnology : A Road Map to Commercialization

Agribiotech & SEED Markets conference analyses technology innovations in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries to increase crop yields, and assess the latest regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable agriculture. To find more about AgriBiotech & Seed Markets in Jakarta from Oct 12 to 13, 2010, please visit http://www.worldgrainstrade.com/agribiotech

Prior to joining ISAAA, he served as Director of the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Dr. Hautea completed his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Cornell University, and his M.Sc. and B.S. degrees in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.  He was also a Visiting Scientist in Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota.

Agribiotech & SEED Markets Jakarta Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, Oct 12
14:05  Global Commercialization of Crop Biotech and its Prospects for Food, Feed and Biofuel

Agribiotech & SEED Markets conference analyses technology innovations in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries to increase crop yields, and assess the latest regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable agriculture. To find more about AgriBiotech & Seed Markets in Jakarta from Oct 12 to 13, 2010, please visit http://www.worldgrainstrade.com/agribiotech

She currently is a lecturer at Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Kasetsart University in Bangkok, and teaches classes in economics of biotechnology, production economics and international agricultural trade.

Her current research includes impact assessment of GM crops in Thailand, farmer acceptance of GM papaya, and consumer willingness to pay for GM information on soymilk labeling.

Agribiotech & SEED Markets Jakarta Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, Oct 12
10:00  Hybrid Maize Seed

Agribiotech & SEED Markets conference analyses technology innovations in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries to increase crop yields, and assess the latest regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable agriculture. To find more about AgriBiotech & Seed Markets in Jakarta from Oct 12 to 13, 2010, please visit http://www.worldgrainstrade.com/agribiotech

Prior to WM, he has over 25 years industry experience in: Regional and global operations; business development, product management, market intelligence, hybrid seed production – cotton, maize, sorghum, Global Consulting : Europe, USA, Japan, UK, Canada, Middle-East, India and Africa for crop protection, seeds & biotechnology. Research and consulting to investment banks and CP industry.

Mr Gautam Sirur obtained his Post-graduate degrees in Agricultural Science, Mathematical Biology and training in Financial Analysis.

Agribiotech & SEED Markets Jakarta Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, Oct 12
09:00  Global Seed Market Outlook

Agribiotech & SEED Markets conference analyses technology innovations in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries to increase crop yields, and assess the latest regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable agriculture. To find more about AgriBiotech & Seed Markets in Jakarta from Oct 12 to 13, 2010, please visit http://www.worldgrainstrade.com/agribiotech

While climate is uncontrollable and improvements to the irrigation system require a large long-term investment, the Agriculture Ministry has encouraged farmers to use better seed to improve performance. The amount of quality seed produced now for commercial sale is paltry.

Now CP Group and Bayer Group are ready to launch hybrid rice seeds after years in research, development and trials.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/38572/

Will use of hybrid rice seeds assure higher yield?

That’s just one of the key concerns that Agribiotech & SEED markets meet on 12-13 October in Jakarta will explore.

For that reason, among the invited speakers is the Global Head of Rice Seed and Traits from Bayer CropScience, to talk about the current status, development and trend of hybrid rice seed.

Click here for an updated version of the preliminary agenda.

Those interested to participate in the conference are invited to submit their registrations via our online form by clicking here while those keen on exploring sponsorship or media partnership packages can write to Grace at grace@cmtsp.com.sg with their proposals.

Denise Dewar, Executive Director for Plant Biotechnology at CropLife International mention that “Farmers around the world are faced with changing climates and pest pressures which make it challenging to achieve food security for a growing population. The continued increase in biotech crop acreage is testament to the simple truth that farmers, when given the option, choose biotech crops because of the benefits they provide.”

Source: PRhub croplife international: http://blog.taragana.com/pr/mounting-evidence-shows-positive-impact-of-biotech-crops-15944/

For more on above matter join ISAAA SEAsia and Croplife Asia who will be speaking at CMT’s Agribiotech & Seed Markets meeting on 12-13 October 2010 in Jakarta. They will be sharing insights on global commercialization of crop biotech – its prospects for food, feed & biofuel, and also their perspectives on Innovation in agribiotech seed development.

Click Here for more information about Agribiotech & Seed Markets on 12-13 Oct 2010, in Jakarta.

• Seed market development and consolidation
• Prospects for Investments in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia with focus onAgriculture development plans, seed markets, AgriBiotech industry
• Outlook for key crops: shifts in production and supplies
• R&D Advancements in breeding & yield Improvement on corn, rice, vegetable, palm oil, rubber and cotton
• IPR and counterfeit issues
• Leveraging tissue culture platforms for hybrid seed production
• Trends in seed regulatory framework in the regional/national context

… and many more…

We will be sharing details on the expert speaker line up and other not-to-be-missed conference highlights soon, so do watch out for our regular updates.

In the mean time, you can book your seats for the Agri Biotech & Seed Markets conference by clicking here.

If you’re still thinking about attending, here’s some valuable data that should convince you to come!

When we analysed the profiles of the executives who have already confirmed their attendance by industry, we found a very diverse mix of Agri Biotech, Crop Protection, Farming, Trading, Policy executives & even Investors at this meet. See the pie chart below for the detailed breakdown:

In short, the Agri Biotech & Crop Protection Markets conference is THE meet to interact with all key players across the Agri-Business value chain, and we even have the numbers to prove it!

So what are you waiting for?

>>CLICK HERE<< to confirm your participation at the Agri Biotech & Crop Protection Markets conference NOW!

The AgriBiotech & Crop Protection Markets conference on 16-17 November 2009 in Kuala Lumpur showcases crop protection & AgriBiotech as essential tools for maximizing the potential yield of every available acre of cultivable land, while utilizing crop protection agrochemicals more effectively.

Conference panelist Dr. T. M. Manjunath, a former director of Monsanto India’s R&D Center said the challenge is “to produce more from less land, water and other resources”. He added, “Recent technological advances offer exciting opportunities to address some of these challenges.”

While the future of the global agriculture industry depends on farmers gaining access to these agri biotech, crop protection and agrochemical innovations, Intellectual Property (IP) protection remains a key challenge for widespread adoption. Dr Randy Hautea, Global Director of the ISAAA and a key panelist at the conference called on governments and regulators to address this challenge.

He commented, “Putting in place a policy environment and legal instruments will help boost research investments and technology transfer activities not only in the private sector but also from key public sector organizations.”

These views echo the central themes of the AgriBiotech & Crop Protection Markets summit in Kuala Lumpur where Dr. Manjunath, Dr. Hautea and representatives from Monsanto, Syngenta, Nestlé Ltd, SGS, Excel Crop Care Ltd, CropLife Asia, Cropnosis Ltd plus many more leading Life science, Agrochemical, Agribiotech, Biochemical, Bioenergy, Agriculture companies and others will be attending to share their experiences.

Discussions will center on crop protection (pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, weedicide, fertilizers),  Genetically Modified crops, Rice Biotechnology, patent reform and IPR issues, agrochemical control methods, and standards for pesticide residues and food safety.

Those seeking more information on participation, media partnership, sponsorship and/or exhibiting at the AgriBiotech & Crop Protection Markets can visit site or contact Ms. Grace at +65 6346 9147.

The world’s demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber continues to grow. Increasing populations, evolving diets, and most recently, soaring demand for biofuel production, have posed challenges to increase crop yields. The 2008 World Development Report cited a more “dynamic and inclusive agriculture industry” as one of the factors that could help in meeting the Millennium Development Goal on poverty and hunger.

The global agriculture industry today is indeed more “dynamic and inclusive”, turning to innovations in crop protection & agri-biotechnology to maximize the potential yield of every available acre. According to Dr. T. M. Manjunath, the former director of Monsanto’s R&D Center in India, “The challenge before the agricultural scientists today is to ‘produce more from less’ i.e., more nutritious food from less land, water and other resources, and more importantly, to protect what we produce.”He added, “These can be accomplished only through new technologies as the existing technologies do not seem to be adequate. Recent advances made in biotechnology offer exciting opportunities to address some of these challenges.”

Today, the crop-protection industry provides insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides to help growers attain maximum   crop yield while minimizing the threat of insects, weeds, and diseases. These agro chemical products are used in integrated crop management programs, which specifically target the pest, weed and disease.

Conversely, the adoption of new technologies including biotech or Genetically Modified Crops (GM crops) are viable options to a farmer’s crop-management arsenal.

Plants enhanced through biotechnology deliver a range of benefits to farmers and society through increased yields, simplified crop management, higher farm incomes, and the adoption of farming practices that reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. According to data published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), in 2008, 25 countries, including China, were planting biotech crops in over 800 millionth hectares of farmland worldwide.

Commenting on the rise of Biotechnology crops and its impact on the crop protection industry, Dr. Manjunath raised some very valid points on limitations of Biotech crops, by drawing a reference to the cotton crop. He said, “A crop like cotton is attacked by a variety of pests like bollworms and sucking pests as also diseases. Biotech-cotton, being lepidopteron specific, can control only the bollworms, but not sucking pests, other non-lepidopteron pests and diseases. Therefore, to get the full benefit of Biotech-technology, we should be watchful and adopt other suitable methods to tackle these problems.” Discussing the need to integrate Biotech Crops with Crop protection, he added, “The ideal approach would be ‘Integrated Pest Management’ (IPM) with Biotech-cotton as the major thrust. The same is true with other crops also.”

Dr. Manjunath rightfully observed that, “BT (biotech) technology should not be treated as a silver bullet – it is not possible to answer all the problems with any single technology. We should try to integrate and take full advantage of several technologies. Science should not discriminate between one technology and the other as long as it is safe and beneficial.”

In short, the future of the global agriculture industry lies in integrating innovations in the agri biotechnology and crop protection sectors. And this is the central theme of the inaugural AgriBiotech & Crop Protection Markets Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 16-17 November 2009. The conference will not only explore key growth drivers and challenges in the agri-biotechnology and crop-protection industries but also focuses on new regulatory framework to support biotech crop applications and sustainable agriculture.

Sessions on the agenda include a comprehensive overview of the seed market, insights on the evolving role and latest developments in crop biotech, GM crops, patent reform and IPR issues, consumer acceptance of GM products (food producer perspectives) and latest standards for pesticide residues and food safety.

Dr. Manjunath will address the conference on the Potential versus performance of Biopesticides, and outline strategies for future growth in the sector. He will be joined by a panel of experts from Monsanto, Syngenta, Nestlé Ltd, SGS, Excel Crop Care Ltd, CropLife Asia, Cropnosis Ltd, ISAAA, Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy and Society for Promotion & Innovation of Biopesticides plus many more…

Those seeking more information on participation, media partnership, sponsorship and/or exhibiting at the Agri Biotech & Crop Protection Markets can email Ms. Grace Oh at grace@cmtsp.com.sg or call +65 6346 9147

According to the Global Crop Protection (Pesticides) Market report published by CompaniesandMarkets.com, global demand for crop protection has been on the rise, because of increasing demand for food, energy & feed and declining inventories. The report also cites concerns over piracy and counterfeit products as some of the key factors that will affect the industry in the near future.

In the Agri Biotech sector, worldwide debate over Genetically Modified crops has not stopped growth. Land under cultivation with GM crops has grown exponentially from a few million hectares in 1996 to 59 million hectares in 2003, to more than 80 million hectares in 2007, according to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications. In Asia alone, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) grows the largest amount of GM soy crops, and Asia’s other population giant India have embraced GMO technology as a crucial plank in their development platform.

The Agri Biotech & Crop Protection Markets conference gathers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 16-17 November 2009 to analyze key trends in the global crop protection and agri-biotech industries and assess the latest in technology innovations & regulatory framework to support a sustainable agriculture industry.

Agri Biotech & Crop Protection Marketswill also offer analysis on the key growth drivers and challenges for the industry in Asia. Sessions on the agenda include a comprehensive overview of the seed market, insights on the evolving role and latest developments in crop biotech, GM crops, patent reform and IPR issues, consumer acceptance of GM products (food producer perspectives) and latest standards for pesticide residues and food safety.

Some of the top agrochemical companies contributing at the event include:

• Syngenta, Excel Crop Care and Monsanto invited to share their insights and strategies
• SGS, expected to speak on Chinese corn and soya farmers’ perceptions & expectations from seed and crop protection technologies.

The conference also features updates from key regulatory agencies around the region on approaches and possible future changes in response to new technology.

Those seeking more information on participation, media partnership, sponsorship and/or exhibiting at the Agri Biotech & Crop Protection Markets can >>CLICK HERE<< & visit our enquiries/registration page. Alternatively, email Ms. Hafizah at hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg or call +65 6346 9218