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. … Read More
ASTA Weighs in on New Phytosanitary Measures
Last week the seed industry announced good news in the form of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), a world wide attempt to put seed regulations on the same page. Ric Dunkle, Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was at the International Plant Protection Convention in Korea when the standards were … Read More
ASTA Commends New Seed Standard
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) passed a final International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) for seed last week. This is a long awaited decision, says the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), one that has become necessary as import requirements for seed have become more restrictive and less science based. “The seed industry is truly global,” said ASTA President & … Read More
ASTA Offers Stewardship Steps for Treated Seed
The American Seed Trade Association(ASTA) is reminding farmers to follow five basic steps to practice good stewardship of treated seed. Follow Directions: Follow directions on treated seed container labels for handling, storage, planting and disposal practices. Eliminate Flowering Weeds: Eliminate flowering plants and weeds in and around the field prior to planting. Minimize Dust: Use advanced seed flow lubricants that … Read More
Seed Industry Takes Capitol Hill
Members of the American Seed Trade Association are coming together to tell the story of the seed industry to members of Congress. Participants hope to highlight the 2017 ASTA priorities, including the need for a strong trade agenda, funding for key research and science programs through the USDA, the need to review the Food Safety Modernization Act, and policies that align with … Read More
ASTA Announces Educational Website
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has announced a new, educational website, seedinginnovation.org. The organization hopes to provide answers to consumer questions like: What is plant breeding innovation? What do plant breeders do? And what could the latest breeding techniques like gene editing mean for the future of agriculture and our society? The new site offers informational videos, blog posts, … Read More
Build a Better Tomato at ASTA Veggie & Flower
There’s a chemistry to the flavor of food, says horticultural science professor Harry Klee, but most growers simply aren’t set up for the intense process of studying and improving the tomatoes they grow. That’s why Klee’s team at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has been researching the chemicals that contribute to tomato flavor. “Most everyone … Read More
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival to Feature Seeds
The 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will feature a special place of honor this year for that which makes it all possible – the seed! During the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) 56th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference this week at Disney’s Epcot Center, festival coordinator Eric Darden announced that they will feature an ASTA garden at this … Read More
USDA Proposed Plant Breeding Rule Welcomed
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has been actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in developing a rule regarding plant breeding innovation. The rule-making notice was officially released yesterday, and ASTA, along with other organizations like the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), are pleased with the recognition of plant breeder’s history of safety and quality. “The farm and food value … Read More
Moving Forward with #ASTACSS Panel
In this week’s mini series we’re bringing you the “Glancing Back and Moving Forward in a Rapidly Changing Industry” session from ASTA CSS, featuring Sonny Beck, founder of Beck’s Hybrids, Paul Schickler of DuPont Pioneer, and Jon Leafstedt from Kincannon and Reed. Today’s segment features the Q&A from the event, covering tough topics like talent strategy, keeping a vision for … Read More