The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted a field day for officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs. Participants got to observe seed treatments, planting practices, equipment innovations and product demonstrations– all using the most cutting-edge technology available. The demonstrations took place on NCGA Chairman Chip Bowling’s farm in Newburg, Maryland.

“This event should serve as a model for how industry groups can work with environmental stakeholders and federal agencies to build understanding and cooperation on issues that affect agricultural stakeholders,” said AEM Senior Director Nick Tindall.

“As an industry, we are committed to the goal of developing better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne. “Today’s event was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the critical role of innovation and stewardship in every step of bringing quality, safe, and nutritious products to market.”

“We are excited for the opportunity to engage with regulators and to showcase advancements in farming practices that have improved the environmental profile of farming while increasing yields,” said NCGA Chairman Chip Bowling.  “Technology is key to improving the sustainability of farming. It is important that those who regulate this technology understand how these tools are used by farmers on the ground.”

This year’s demo day came about as a result of a spray drift technology demonstration for the EPA in 2016. The organizing groups will release a video with the day’s highlights soon.