RFP: Phytosanitary Policy Impacting Seed Trade Contractor

RFP: Phytosanitary Policy Impacting Seed Trade Contractor

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of nearly 700 companies and universities involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates for science and policy issues of industry-wide importance.

ASTA’s mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing, and movement of seed throughout the world. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.

Objective:
ASTA is seeking proposals for a contractor with expertise in seed pathology and testing, phytosanitary policy, and regulations that are related to the international trade and movement of seed. The Contractor must demonstrate knowledge and/or experience with phytosanitary principles and implementation of phytosanitary measures. The Contractor should have an advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in plant sciences, preferably in plant pathology or a related field. In lieu of an advanced degree, the Contractor must demonstrate 5+ years of professional experience in the phytosanitary field.

This contract is for calendar year 2026 with the option to renew based on satisfactory completion of deliverables.

Goal:
In this role, the contractor will work in close collaboration with ASTA’s Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade to proactively identify, analyze, and help resolve phytosanitary challenges affecting the ability of ASTA members to trade with key global markets.

Primary responsibilities include monitoring, assessing, and responding to changes in phytosanitary import and export requirements notified by trading partners through the World Trade Organization (WTO). The contractor will review and synthesize scientific literature related to seed-borne pathogens and evaluate new or revised diagnostic protocols for regulated pests to support science-based advocacy on phytosanitary issues. The contractor will support ongoing improvements to ASTA’s Pest Database for Seeds (PeDS). The contractor will also assist members in addressing held or rejected seed shipments, resolving issues related to phytosanitary certificates, and navigating country-specific regulatory requirements. Additional responsibilities may include supporting ASTA engagements by drafting agendas, white papers, and briefing materials, and tracking evolving phytosanitary and market access trends relevant to the global seed trade.

Background:
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is committed to supporting the development of an effective and globally coordinated system for the exchange of germplasm that benefits all members of the seed sector. Streamlining regulatory approaches for seed movement is essential to global food security, agricultural productivity, and innovation.
International movement of seed for research and commercial purposes is subject to a broad range of phytosanitary regulations intended to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of plant pests and pathogens. While these measures are critical to safeguarding plant health, some requirements are imposed in cases where seed is not a scientifically supported pathway for pest or pathogen transmission. Such measures can unnecessarily restrict trade and limit market access. The global seed industry relies on standards developed under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to guide governments in establishing phytosanitary policies that are science-based, risk-based, internationally harmonized, and consistent with obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). These principles are implemented through the development and application of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). However, ISPMs remain an underutilized resource for many National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) and seed shippers due to limited awareness of the standards-setting process, lack of clarity within some ISPMs, complexity in interpretation, and, in some cases, overlapping or conflicting guidance across standards. Applying ISPMs can be particularly challenging for NPPOs in developing countries that may have limited experience or capacity to implement risk-based phytosanitary systems. Compounding this challenge, proposed phytosanitary measures notified to the WTO typically allow only a short comment period (45–60 days), during which stakeholders must assess potential impacts on trade and provide timely, technically sound feedback. As the volume of WTO notifications continues to increase, the need for careful review of proposed measures for scientific validity and practical feasibility has become increasingly important.

Input from the seed industry plays a critical role in this process, particularly in assessing whether seed is a demonstrated pathway for pest or pathogen movement and whether proposed measures can be effectively and realistically implemented. This technical and operational feedback is essential to promoting sound phytosanitary policy, supporting international regulatory alignment, and maintaining market access for U.S. seed exports.

For more information, view the full RFP here.