Members of the Iowa Seed Association (ISA) elected Jim Groepper as their president for the 2006-2007 year term at the 104th Iowa Seed Association annual convention held recently in Ames, Iowa. Groepper, who is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for AgVenture, Inc. of Kentland, Indiana, has served on the Iowa Seed Association board of directors for the past four years.

Groepper said, “Advancements in science, genetics and technology bring both benefits and challenges to our industry, its companies and producers, along with our government. I look forward to serving as ISA president. As an association, we have the opportunity to focus our efforts on seed and the seed business. We have the responsibility of enabling tactical and practical solutions that impact producers’ profitability and the health and welfare of our world.”

Iowa Seed Association Executive Director Joan O’Brien said, “Jim has been very involved in our successful educational scholarship programs, helping Iowa and the seed industry develop and maintain a steady pipeline of talented seed professionals. He is committed to invigorating our membership in terms of involvement and activity in his term as ISA president.” Groepper accepted the gavel from outgoing president Mike Bielenberg of Syngenta.

The ISA focuses on legislative and regulatory issues facing the Iowa seed industry, and supports members with communication and education initiatives. As an affiliate of the American Seed Trade Association, ISA works closely with the national organization. AgVenture CEO, John Cassidy said, “ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life. It’s critical to work on these issues from the grassroots up. Jim will bring his leadership and vision to the Iowa Seed Association.”

AgVenture, Inc. is the nation’s largest network of independently owned regional seed companies. Based in Kentland, Indiana, AgVenture provides this growing network of independently owned and managed seed business owners with seed products meeting exacting standards for quality, together with leading-edge genetics and technology. Since 1983, this unique marketing approach has allowed each individual company to match the hybrids it sells to the specific needs of the geographical area it serves. Combined with professional seed representation at a local level, AgVenture strives to help every grower realize more profit from every field.