ASTA Applauds USDA Support of NPGS

Alexandria, VA–October 6, 2026 – The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) historic support for the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), a program that ASTA has long advocated for. Today’s announcement of a $180 million investment into the NPGS will help ensure the United States remains a world leader in seed, genetics, and germplasm preservation and research – which serve as the backbone of American agriculture.

As a dynamic, living plant library, the NPGS serves as an unparalleled resource where U.S. farmers, seed companies, and researchers can access diverse plant materials at any time, powering critical plant breeding, research, and public-private partnership and innovation. Over the years, ASTA has long championed the 22 seed bank facilities that comprise the NPGS by promoting the importance of these collections and successfully advocating for 2018 Farm Bill provision that directed USDA to implement the National Strategic Germplasm and Cultivar Collection Assessment and Utilization Plan. This plan laid out the needs necessary to safeguard and increase use of NPGS germplasm.

“Today’s announcement by USDA is a long-awaited moment for the seed industry,” said Andy LaVigne, President & CEO. “ASTA has continuously highlighted the role the National Plant Germplasm System plays in the agricultural innovation pipeline. We commend the USDA’s efforts to strengthen and revitalize how we sustain, sequence, and safeguard this vital American resource. This development is a strong step forward, not just for the seed industry, but also for the entire agricultural economy, and ASTA remains committed to advocating for the future of the system.”

The NPGS is the nation’s living plant library and a steward of America’s plant genetic heritage, serving as a critical foundation of American agriculture and food production. Its gene banks store, preserve, and conduct research on the most diverse and valuable collections of plants and plant materials in the world. This vital investment in the NPGS is important to the future of American innovation sovereignty, ensuring the research, breeding, and technologies shaping the future of agriculture, the next-generation seeds, are developed and led by the United States.

“This focused investment allows institutions and companies of all types to accelerate groundbreaking research to deliver the next-generation seed products and plant varieties to our country’s farmers,” said Keri Carstens, ASTA Board Member. “By improving our research capabilities, the U.S. can maintain our leadership in farmer productivity to feed, fuel, and clothe the world.”

Investing in the NPGS is one of the most effective ways to solidify the health of the seed industry, which underpins all of U.S. agriculture. A secure, accessible supply of publicly available plant material drives more affordable innovation and expands the range of choices to farmers.

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 650 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA is the leading voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. The association’s broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life. Visit www.betterseed.org to learn more.