ASTA Applauds International Move to Streamline Phystosanitary System for Seed

ASTA Applauds International Move to Streamline Phystosanitary System for Seed

Alexandria, VA– April 8, 2019—The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) welcomes the decision by the Commission of Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) to develop a Systems Approach for seed as an Annex to ISPM 38 on the International Movement of Seed. The decision was made Friday during the CPM meeting in Rome, Italy.

“The international adoption of a systems approach would offer a long-term, sustainable solution for the movement of safe, quality seed around the globe,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “Today’s non-harmonized, country-by-country patchwork system of phytosanitary regulations creates unnecessary delays, added costs and duplicative testing requirements for seed importers and exporters. We look forward to working with the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures to ensure a consistent and workable system for NPPOs around the globe.”

ASTA has long advocated for an international Systems Approach for seed. The association worked closely with a number of NPPOs, including USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in supporting the development and submission of the proposal to the International Plant Protection Convention. View the full language here.

###

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 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.