Sakata Seed, Syngenta Flowers Back Out of CAST Due to COVID-19
March 11, 2020 
Concerns about the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have prompted both Sakata Seed America and Syngenta Flowers to cancel their participation in the 2020 California Spring Trials (CAST).
“We do not take this decision lightly; great effort is put into this event, and we look forward to connecting with our industry partners and showcasing our genetics year after year. However, it’s important that we err on the side of caution at this time rather than risk the health of our staff, dependents, customers, and their families,” says Joe Cimino, Head of the Sakata Ornamental group.
On March 10, Santa Clara County, home of Sakata’s Morgan Hill, CA, headquarters, put an order in place canceling all mass gatherings due to an increasing rate of COVID-19.
“Although Monterey County, where our Salinas greenhouses and event site are located, has yet to put such an order in effect, this is a precautionary measure with our guests and their families at the forefront of our minds,” Cimino says.
Although Sakata will not be hosting guests at the CAST event, which was set to run March 27-30 at its Salinas greenhouses, the company have other ideas in mind.
“We will still showcase our products to the industry and all registered attendees. Be on the lookout for future communication in lieu of a physical event,” says Alicia Suits, Senior Marketing Manager at Sakata.
Meanwhile, Scott Valentine, Head of Syngenta Flowers, NA, issued the following statement on behalf of the company:
“Syngenta Flowers puts the health and safety of our employees, our customers, and their families above all else. Considering the continued concern surrounding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Syngenta Flowers North America has decided to cancel its California Spring Trials (CAST) event for 2020. As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout California, we feel it is in the best interest of our employees, our customers, and their families to limit exposure and reduce overall risk associated with COVID-19. We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause customers and visitors to this annual event.
“Santa Clara County has issued a legal order banning mass gatherings through the rest of March. Our North American Flowers headquarters and R& D facility, which is based in the southern part of this county, will remain operational but closed to external visitors until further notice. Syngenta Flowers is also eliminating the access of international employees and visitors at this time, in accordance with the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The health and safety of our people is our priority. As the situation is fast evolving, we also encourage our customers to exercise caution limiting their exposure with travel during this time.
“In lieu of a full-scale public event, our marketing and sales teams are hard at work organizing an alternative to the CAST event which will showcase our new varieties and core assortment of innovative genetics. We are continuing to capture photos, videos, and will host a series of online events.”
Greenhouse Grower will provide continuous updates on how COVID-19 is affecting the horticulture industry. Follow the link GreenhouseGrower.com/tag/coronavirus.
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