American Sesame Growers Association

Mission Statement

The American Sesame Growers Association is organized to promote and encourage the establishment and maintenance of conditions favorable to the production of non-dehiscent varieties of sesame in the United States and to the marketing, processing and use of U.S. grown sesame in both domestic and export markets. (Non-dehiscent means adapted for mechanical harvesting with minimal loss.)

ASGA was formed in February 2006 following a meeting of a group of sesame growers who concluded that:

• They needed a voice in US farm programs to insure a "level playing field" with other field crops.
  
• They needed to have a forum to interact with the sesame industry.
  
• They needed to be able to interact among the different sesame growing regions to develop common goals and programs.

The first few months have been spent developing the organization in terms of writing bylaws, incorporating the organization, electing a Board of Directors, creating a website, and promoting joining the association.

For the rest of the inaugural year, the association will be developing a consensus on the needs of the sesame growers and sesame industry. As goals are firmed up, the association will be begin taking the appropriate actions.

The initial goals are to work with USDA and Congress to initiate a Multiple Peril Crop Insurance pilot program for sesame and to pursue grants for herbicide and crop research. The association's long-term goals include promoting the production and greater consumption of sesame in the United States and in foreign markets for both food and industrial uses.

As sesame is a relatively new crop to the United States, we have accepted the challenge of bringing our story to the US agricultural community, agricultural policy makers and the food industry. We would like to express our appreciation for the interest, encouragement and support we are receiving.

American Sesame Growers Association
4308 Centergate Street
San Antonio, TX 78217-4804
Tel: (210) 590-3352