20171111 Minutes

International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA) Board Meeting Minutes

November 11, 2017

Conference Call

Participants: Nicolas Tremblay, President; Ken Sudduth, Past-President;

Terry Griffin, Treasurer (joined late); Viacheslav Adamchuk, Secretary;

Quentin Rund, Executive Secretary

Could not participate: Ian Yule, President Elect; John Stafford, 2012‑14 President; Raj Khosla, Founding President

The meeting started at 15:00 EST. Nicolas reviewed the agenda. Slava reviewed the minutes of the September 28 conference call. Quentin commented that the low-income country reduced membership fees policy has been implemented. The minutes were approved.

Nicolas started discussion on the 14^th ICPA. He reviewed the “program vs. champions” document, which identifies leaders for specific topics. Quentin reported that 15 abstracts have been submitted so far, which is usual. Tentatively, we will send abstract submission extensions until December 22. This message will be sent by Quentin on December 4.

Slava reviewed the workshop proposals. Tentatively, workshop fees will cover room charges and a break. Speakers should receive complementary registration. Terry suggested Todd Barr as one of the workshop instructors.

Craig Mackenzie confirmed his participation in ICPA. He will be an excellent panel member. There was a brief discussion on potential keynote presenters. Quentin reviewed the exhibitor and sponsor packages that were circulated to the Board. The packages were approved. A dedicated call will take place next week to discuss collaboration with CRAAQ. Quentin will send the final version of sponsorships to be confirmed by the Board before Friday. The exhibitor prospectus has been confirmed.

Nicolas stated that the lack of a regular newsletter is a problem for the society. Nicolas, Ian and Raj discussed this in New Zealand. The decision was to post them on a monthly basis. Quentin will be responsible for newsletter distribution. The Board is responsible for submitting information. Before public release, each newsletter will be circulated to the Board. Ian, as the president elect, will be responsible for the overall content (editing and proofing).

Ken reported on country representatives. He confirmed the interest of a number of reps, but still waiting for feedback from 19 of them. He will circulate an updated list next week (after contacting non-active country reps again).

Nicolas reviewed the PA economics community proposal submitted by Terry. Some of the supporting members are not active, but it will be easy to add another others. The community proposal was approved.

Nicolas reviewed a couple of proposed resolutions: “1. “Be it resolved: The ISPA will grant a complimentary lifetime membership to any past president of ISPA.” and 2. “Be it resolved: The ISPA will waive membership fees for current board members. Upon being elected to the board, a board member will have their membership expiration set to the end of their term on the board at no additional cost to them.” The first item overlaps with existing policy and the second pertains to the period that is already paid and the suggestion was to relate this to the following consecutive 2-year membership. The adjusted resolution was accepted.

Alex Escola is running an initiative to define Precision Agriculture. The Board is welcome to comment.

Quentin reviewed ICPA registration fees and press involvement.

The next Board call will take place at the beginning of January. The meeting was adjourned at 16:45 EST.

Distributed Agenda

1. Call to order / Welcome
2. Agenda approval
3. Review and approval of minutes 17-09-28
4. 14th ICPA update
   1. • Call for abstracts (and champions) (N. Tremblay)
   2. • Workshops (V. Adamchuk)
   3. • Exhibitors and Sponsorships packages - for Board approval (Q. Rund)
5. Newsletters (N. Tremblay)
6. ICPA Country Reps Review (K. Sudduth)
7. Resolution for the ISPA Board regarding membership status and fees for current board members and past presidents
8. Definition of PA
9. Miscellaneous
10. Adjourn