The American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists, advancing sugarbeet research for 75 years.

Abstract

The American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists (ASSBT) was created 75 years ago when a group of researchers that had been meeting informally as the Sugarbeet Roundtable adopted the constitution and by-laws that provided the basis for an organization that continues to foster the exchange of ideas and information. Biennial meetings and the publication of research articles have facilitated communication among the members. Prior to the launch of the Journal of the American Society of Sugar Beet Technology in 1956 (renamed the Journal of Sugar Beet Research in 1988), articles were published as proceedings. All issues of the journals and proceedings were made available to the public on the internet in 2011. Membership of ASSBT increased during the first 25 years from 256 two years after the formation of the Society to 633 on the 25th anniversary. Membership dropped to 550 on the 50th anniversary of the Society and in recent years has been near 300. ASSBT has facilitated the cooperation necessary for overcoming numerous problems, allowing the industry to increase productivity and remain economically viable, and is poised to continue its role as a contributor to the future success of the industry in a highly competitive environment. Additional