soil moisture

Follow the Basic Steps for Stewardship of Treated Seed

Dan Industry Videos-Promoting Agriculture, Seeds

As planting season begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers to follow the basic steps for stewardship of treated seed: follow directions on seed container labeling; eliminate weeds in the field prior to planting; minimize dust by using advanced seed flow lubricants; “BeeAware” of honey bees and hives located near the field; ensure that any …

ASTA

Seed Industry Storms the Hill

Dan Industry News Release, Legislative, Seeds

A diverse group of seed-industry leaders, representing companies of all sizes, sectors and geographies, are gathered in Washington, D.C. for the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) annual Storm the Hill legislative fly-in, April 2-3. Topping the list of 2019 legislative priorities are innovation, trade and agriculture research funding. “Virtually everything in life starts with a seed, and so many things …

asta

ASTA Conference Coming to Orlando

Dan Industry News Release, News from Our Sponsors, Seeds

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) invites folks to attend the 2019 Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, February 1-5 in Orlando at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This global conference will bring together approximately 1,000 seed industry leaders from over 35 countries, thus making it ASTA’s fastest-growing event.  The 2019 conference will feature educational sessions that cover topics ranging from …

asta

ASTA Applauds International Statement in Support of Plant Breeding Innovation

Dan Biotechnology, Industry News Release, Technology

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) applauds the proactive, coordinated action by 13 countries, including the U.S., in signing onto the International Statement on Agricultural Applications of Precision Biotechnology. The statement reiterates an international commitment to the fair, science-based treatment of evolving plant breeding methods, like gene editing, around the world. ”This is a strong showing of support by governments around the …

asta

ASTA Statement on FDA Plant and Animal Biotechnology Innovation Action Plan

Dan Biotechnology, Industry News Release

The following is a statement from American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andrew LaVigne regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new Action Plan on biotechnology innovation: “We’re encouraged by FDA’s announcement that the agency is moving forward on a plan to provide clarity and foster future innovation around evolving plant breeding methods. “ASTA submitted detailed comments on this topic to …

asta

ASTA Requests Exemptions for Seeds on Proposed Chinese Tariffs List

Dan Industry News Release, Seeds, Trade

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is requesting that seeds for sowing be exempted from the proposed list of supplemental retaliatory tariffs on China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The request was made in a formal letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. “While we support the administration’s push for stronger intellectual property protection and enforcement globally, at …

asta

ASTA Outlines Priorities for Final Farm Bill

Dan Exports/Imports, Farm Bill, Industry News Release, Legislative, Research, Seeds, Trade

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) urges members of the Farm Bill Conference Committee to include several key provisions important to the seed industry within the final bill. In a recent letter to conferees, ASTA highlighted the following priorities within the Conservation, Trade, Research, Horticulture and Crop Insurance titles: Conservation: ASTA is concerned with the proposal in the House version …

asta

ASTA Promotes Safe Handling and Storage of Treated Seed during Harvest

Dan Industry News Release, Seeds

As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers about the importance of taking precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply. “Seed treatments provide farmers with an economical means of protecting seeds and seedlings against early-season insect pests and diseases—resulting in stronger and more uniform stands, healthier plants and higher crop …

national ffa

National FFA Organization and ASTA Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding

Dan Education, Industry News Release, Seeds

The National FFA Organization and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding. The memorandum will align ASTA’s strategic goals and resources with the three-component model of agricultural education, providing teacher curriculum and resources; supervised agricultural experience support and mentors; and leadership and career development. “This Memorandum of Understanding helps stress the importance of the three-component …

asta

Discussing Industry Changes at ASTA Conference

Dan Seeds

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) wrapped up their annual Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference earlier this week in San Diego, California. AgNet Media’s Gary Cooper talked with Don Goodwin, owner of Golden Sun Marketing based in Minnesota, about some of the changes in the industry. Discussing Industry Changes at ASTA Conference