The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is requesting that seeds for sowing be exempted from the proposed list of supplemental retaliatory tariffs on China. “While we support the administration’s push for stronger intellectual property protection and enforcement globally, at the end of the day, the majority of these proposed tariffs will be levied on seeds owned by small and medium … Read More
ASTA Outlines Seed Industry Priorities for Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee is holding its first public meeting today in Washington and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has notified committee members of key provisions important to the seed industry within the legislation. In a recent letter to Conferees, ASTA highlighted priorities within the Conservation, Trade, Research, Horticulture and Crop Insurance titles. ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne … Read More
Saving the Orange
The American Seed Trade Association and CropLife International have launched the first video in a new series about gene editing in plants. The video focuses on the very-real challenge of citrus greening—a devastating disease which has led to a nearly 80-percent decrease in Florida citrus production over the past 12 to 15 years. Profiled in the video, Dr. Fred Gmitter, … Read More
Precision Ag Bytes 8/15
The PrecisionAg Awards of Excellence in the field of precision agriculture and farm technology were presented at the recent InfoAg Conference in St. Louis, MO. The awards are sponsored by the PrecisionAg Institute and presented every summer to individuals doing exceptional work in four distinct categories: Crop Adviser/Entrepreneur, Educator/Researcher, Farmer, and Legacy. Click here for a list of current and … Read More
ASTA Responds to EU Ruling on Gene Editing
The European Union Court of Justice ruled this week that gene edited crops should be treated the same genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The court ruled that “organisms obtained by mutagenesis are GMOs within the meaning of the GMO Directive,” however it does not apply to gene-editing techniques which “have conventionally been used and have a long safety record.” The American … Read More
Precision Ag Bytes 7/25
Conference registration and hotel block reservations for the American Seed Trade Association‘s CSS 2018 & Seed Expo are opening August 1. Make plans to attend America’s largest seed industry convention December 3-6 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. For more information, click here. Registration is open for the Conference on Connection Between Soil Health and Human Health, scheduled for Oct. 16-17 … Read More
2018 Seed Industry Awards
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced the winners of its 2018 seed industry awards last week during the Policy & Leadership Development Conference in Washington, D.C. The ASTA Distinguished Service award was presented to Osama El-Lissy, Deputy Administrator for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ). The award recognizes those whose efforts … Read More
ASTA Elects 2018-19 Officer Team
2018-19 ASTA Chair Jerry Flint The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is pleased to announce its 2018-19 officer team, officially elected during the ASTA Policy & Leadership Development Conference in Washington, D.C. The members of the 2018-19 ASTA officer team are: • Chair – Jerry Flint, Corteva Agriscience • First Vice Chair – Wayne Gale, Stokes Seeds • Second Vice … Read More
Cold Tolerant Berseem Clover Provides Frost Seeding Option
As cold as it has already been this winter in so many areas, Frosty Berseem Clover might be just the ticket for farmers and ranchers implementing frost seeding into their hay and pasture systems. Grassland Oregon was recently awarded a patent for Frosty Berseem Clover, making it the first cold tolerant berseem clover suitable for frost seeding in the United … Read More
Agri-Pulse Launches Breeding Edge Editorial Series
Agri-Pulse has launched a new seven-part editorial series, “The Breeding Edge,” focused on new scientific discoveries, genetic research, and systems for precision breeding for producing food, protecting the environment, and improving animal health. “Animal and plant breeders are trying out a set of powerful new tools which have the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and provide consumers with more healthy … Read More