The biennial meeting for American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists (ASSBT) occurred the week of February 27- March 2 in Greenville, South Carolina. This is the time for the Sugar Beet industry to come together and discuss research topics from Agronomy, Plant Genetics, and Factory processing. Also, during the event Germains Seed Technology representatives from both North America and Europe meet with Seed, Sugar, and Chemical Companies.

In this meeting a general session covers topics that apply to all members who attend. This year, implementing the Federal Ag Biotech Disclosure and Repainting Today’s Food Landscape are the general session’s topics of the meeting.

Three sections run concurrently after the general session, the first one is Agronomy section which covers topics from plant stands, fertilizer recommendations, and chemical applications.

The second one is the Physiology, Genetics, and Plant Pests section which includes new genetic findings and diseases affecting plants and last one is the Processing section which covers topics related to sugar processing. Presenters have 20 minutes per presentation and attendees move to different sections depending on subjects of interest.

To discuss company's R&D program and to align company's vision with the needs of our customers, in addition to these meetings, Germains Seed Technology personnel meet with Sugar Beet seed companies. Meetings also occur with Sugar companies so that Germains Seed Technology may ask for their input for future R&D projects and present them with trial data. Germains Seed Technology also met with chemical suppliers to see what’s new coming for future applications.