Federal News

USDA Announces Seeds for Sprouting Export Certification Program

On September 26, 2019

On September 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of a new Seeds for Sprouting Export...

Buffalo Brand Seeds Briefs National Academy of Science Board

On August 29, 2019

On Monday, August 19, Dustin Terrell of Buffalo Brand Seeds and former chair of ASTA’s Environmental and Conservation Seed...

APHIS Amends Import Procedures for Tomato, Pepper Seeds

On August 29, 2019

Effective September 8, 2019, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the entry requirements for...

ASTA Comments on USDA’s Proposed Rule to Update Biotechnology Regulations

On August 15, 2019

On August 5, ASTA submitted comments on USDA’s proposed rule to update its biotechnology regulations. USDA’s proposal rightly recognizes...

USDA Announces Details of Support Package for Farmers

On July 31, 2019

On July 25, USDA announced details of the $16 billion aid package aimed at supporting American farmers impacted by...

Senate Committee Clears Bill Boosting Ag Specialists at Borders

On July 31, 2019

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance a bill that would address the shortage...

Congressional Recess Provides Opportunity for Local Congressional Engagement

On July 31, 2019

During the month of August, members of Congress will leave Washington, D.C. and travel back to their home districts...

ASTA Participates in Congressional Briefing on Innovation in Agriculture

On July 18, 2019

On July 16, ASTA co-hosted a congressional briefing on innovation in agriculture in conjunction with the House Agriculture Research...

USDA Announces Change to Haying and Grazing Date for Cover Crops on Prevented Planting Acres

On July 3, 2019

With the recent announcement by USDA of the move to September 1 for haying and grazing of a cover...

White House Issues Executive Order on Agricultural Biotechnology Innovation

On June 13, 2019

Dr. Fred Gmitter, University of Florida It’s been an exciting couple of weeks for plant breeding innovation, with a...

#BeSure to Follow Label Instructions When Handling Treated Seed

On April 29, 2019

ICYMI: This growing season ASTA and its members companies are reminding farmers about the importance of seed treatment stewardship....

ASTA Submits Comments on USDA Conservation Practice Standards

On April 29, 2019

On Thursday, April 25, ASTA submitted formal comments to USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) on programmatic changes the...

Reminder: EPA Seeks Comments on Center for Food Safety Petition

On March 20, 2019

A reminder that the deadline to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the petition related to...

Congress Passes Bill to Create More Predictable, Effective Evaluation Process for Pesticide Approvals

On March 6, 2019

On February 28, the U.S. Senate passed ASTA-supported legislation reauthorizing EPA to collect pesticide registration and maintenance fees through...

EPA Seeks Comments on Center for Food Safety Petition

On February 21, 2019

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on a petition from the Center for Food Safety (CFS)...

Register Now for ASTA’s 2019 Storm the Hill, April 2-3

On February 21, 2019

It’s time to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill at ASTA’s annual Storm the Hill legislative conference! Join...

USDA Releases National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

On January 16, 2019

On December 20, 2018 USDA released its final rules for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS). The implementation date...

What the Government Shutdown Means for the 2018 Farm Bill

On January 16, 2019

We are currently on day-27 of the government shutdown, which began Saturday, December 22. This is officially the longest...

Welcome to the New 116th Congress

On January 16, 2019

The 116th Congress was formally sworn into office on January 3, 2019. Breaking from tradition, the Republicans picked up...

USDA APHIS Creates Recommended Best Practices for Reducing Weed Seeds in Soybean

On December 18, 2018

Weed seeds in commodity exports are a serious trade concern. Taking steps to reduce weed seeds in soybeans will...

We have a Farm Bill!

On December 18, 2018

After easily passing in both the Senate and the House last week, the Farm Bill is officially heading to...

FDA Releases Action Plan on Biotechnology Innovation

On November 7, 2018

On October 30, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a plan to “advance plant and animal biotechnology...

ASTA Signs onto Farm Bill Support Letters

On October 24, 2018

ASTA—along with the American Farm Bureau Federation, CropLife America, The Fertilizer Institute, National Corn Growers Association and other agriculture...

Agriculture Committee, ASTA, Farm Bill, Letters

SCOTUS Ruling Brings Big Changes for Out-of-State Online Retailers

On October 24, 2018

If your company is doing online/catalogue business in states where you do not have a physical presence, you may...

Online Retailers, SCOTUS

Food Safety Modernization Act info on ASTA Members Only Site

On October 9, 2018

New tools regarding the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its impact on the seed industry are now available...

ASTA, Food Safety Modernization Act, FSMA

Congress Misses Farm Bill Deadline

On October 9, 2018

The 2014 Farm Bill expired on Sunday, September 30, with Congress still debating differences between the House and Senate...

ASTA, Congress, Election, Farm Bill, Seed Industry

Trump Appoints Angle as NIFA Director

On September 13, 2018

On August 31, President Trump appointed J. Scott Angle to be director of the National Institute of Food and...

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, NIFA, Trump

ASTA Expresses Concern about Proposed NIFA Move

On September 13, 2018

ASTA, along with a number of universities and associations representing agriculture and research entities, recently signed on to a...

ASTA, Congress, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, NIFA

ASTA Outlines Priorities for Farm Bill

On September 13, 2018

ASTA is urging members of the Farm Bill Conference Committee to include several key provisions important to the seed...

ASTA, Farm Bill, Farm Bill Conference

USDA Provides Assistance Package to Farmers Impacted by Tariffs

On August 30, 2018

On August 27, USDA provided details on an assistance package for farmers impacted by tariffs and other trade disruptions....

farmers, FNS, MAP, MFP, Tariffs, Trade, USDA

ASTA Urges Passage of Farm Bill before Looming Sept. 30 Deadline

On August 16, 2018

On August 13, ASTA and a diverse group of banking, farm and conservation organizations sent a letter to leaders...

ASTA, Conference Committee, Farm Bill, House of Representatives, Senators

USDA Offers Assistance to Farmers Impacted by Retaliatory Tariffs

On July 31, 2018

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has crafted a short-term relief strategy that will authorize up to $12 billion...

ASTA, farmers, FAS, Tariffs, Trade, USDA

House Votes to Initiate Farm Bill Conference

On July 19, 2018

In a procedural vote on July 18, the House of Representatives paved the way to begin conference proceedings on...

Conference Committee, Farm Bill, Government, House, House of Representatives

U.S. Dept. of Transportation Requirements Impact Transport of Ag Commodities

On July 5, 2018

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial vehicle drivers to install electronic logging...

ASTA, Federal, Government, Seed, transportation

Farm Bill Moves on to Conference

On July 5, 2018

Last week, the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill in a bipartisan vote of 86-11. The legislation...

ASTA, Farm Bill, Government, House Farm Bill, Seed, Seed Industry, Senate Farm Bill

Senate Advances Farm Bill

On June 20, 2018

On June 13, the U.S. Senate advanced S.3042 (the “Farm Bill” out of Committee by a vote of 20-1....

ASTA, Farm Bill, House Freedom Caucus, House of Representatives, Senate

Forward Momentum on Farm Bill

On June 5, 2018

June is shaping up to be the month of the Farm Bill. After the House of Representatives failed to...

ASTA, Farm Bill, House of Representatives, Storm the Hill

APHIS Hosted Electronic Phytosanitary Certification Webinar on May 22

On May 23, 2018

On May 22, USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine hosted a webinar to provide an update on its Electronic...

ASTA, Electronic Phytosanitary Certification

Congress Fails to Advance Farm Bill

On May 23, 2018

After two days of debate by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Farm Bill failed to secure enough votes...

ASTA, Farm Bill, House Farm Bill, House Freedom Caucus, US House of Representatives

USDA Releases Proposed Rule for National GMO Labeling Law

On May 8, 2018

On May 3, USDA released for public comment its proposed rule for the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. The...

ASTA, GMO, National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, USDA

House Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill

On April 26, 2018

On Wednesday, April 18, the House Agriculture Committee advanced H.R. 2 – the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018...

Retaliatory Tariffs from China Impact Agricultural Commodities

On April 11, 2018

In response to President Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, China announced retaliatory tariffs on 128 products...

Agriculture, ASTA, Tariffs, Trade War

199A Tax Fix Included in Omnibus Spending Bill

On March 27, 2018

After several months of negotiations and near misses, ASTA is pleased to report that the much-needed amendment resolving the...

199A, ASTA, Tax Issue

ASTA Participates in 2018 Ag & Food Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

On March 27, 2018

Trade and technology were the focus of the 2018 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit March 21 in Washington,...

Agri-Pulse, Agriculture and Food Policy, ASTA, Technology, Trade, USDA

FSMA Webinar Available on ASTA Members-Only Site

On February 28, 2018

Did you miss last week’s webinar on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? A full recording is now available...

ASTA Members Head to Capitol Hill to Advocate for Key Trade Programs in the Farm Bill

On February 28, 2018

On February 27, a group of ASTA members led by ASTA’s International Executive Committee met with Senate and House...

ASTA Partners with NCFAR on Seed-Focused Hill Seminar

On February 13, 2018

On Monday, more than 70 Hill staffers, partners and media attended a seminar by the National Coalition for Food...

New Seed Treatment Stewardship Communications Resources Available

On January 23, 2018

Seed treatments provide farmers with an economical means of protecting seeds and seedlings against early-season insect pests and diseases—resulting...

Wondering How FDA’s Recent FSMA Enforcement Guidance Impacts YOU? Join ASTA’s Webinar on Feb. 22

On January 23, 2018

If you’re a seed conditioning facility that sells discarded seed materials for consumption by either animals or humans, you’ve...

ASTA Engaged in Discussions on Tax Reform Language Fix for Sec. 199

On January 23, 2018

After Congress’ recent passage of the tax reform/tax cut legislation, it became obvious that an unintended change to the...

FDA Announces FSMA Enforcement Discretion for Seed Conditioning Facilities

On January 9, 2018

On January 4, FDA issued Guidance on FSMA enforcement discretion that contains good news for seed conditioning facilities. FDA will exercise...

ASTA Encouraged by Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force Report

On January 9, 2018

On January 8, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue presented the findings of the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural...

Thanks for Supporting NAFTA Grassroots Day!

On December 21, 2017

On December 6, many of you joined with ASTA and other agriculture organizations in a social media effort in...

New Video Explores the Benefits and Safety of Seed Treatments

On December 21, 2017

Check out ASTA’s new video to hear directly from member company representatives about the many benefits, and safety, of...

ASTA’s Farm and Lawn Seed Conference Highlights Cover Crops, Environmental and Conservation Seed Issues

On November 14, 2017

On November 5 and 6, ASTA held its annual Farm and Lawn Seed Conference in conjunction with the Western...

ASTA Supports USDA Action and Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy

On November 14, 2017

On November 6, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it...

National Pollinator Garden Network Closing in on Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Goal

On October 30, 2017

On October 16, the National Pollinator Garden Network (NPGN) convened at the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters outside...

Congress Urges Federal Coordination on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy

On October 17, 2017

On October 17, a bi-partisan group of 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to USDA...

Censky, McKinney Sworn in at USDA

On October 17, 2017

On October 10, Stephen Censky and Ted McKinney were officially sworn in as USDA Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary...

ASTA Members Discuss Flower Breeding on Capitol Hill

On October 3, 2017

On September 25 and 26, ASTA members representing the flower and ornamental seed sectors came to Washington, D.C. for...

ASTA Promotes Seed Treatment Stewardship During Harvest and All Year Long

On October 3, 2017

During harvest, ASTA is reminding farmers to be diligent in taking the proper precautions to ensure treated seed does...

USDA Solicits Comments on Biotech Disclosure Act Implementation

On September 6, 2017

As the latest step in developing regulations for implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, the USDA Agriculture Marketing...

Trump Announces Nominations for Three More USDA Posts

On September 6, 2017

On September 1, President Donald Trump announced selections for three key USDA posts. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey has...

ASTA Participates in Mississippi Field Tour

On September 6, 2017

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Ray McAllister, CropLife America; Jane DeMarchi, ASTA; Dr. Melissa Siebert, Dow (tour...

FDA DELAYS FSMA PREVENTIVE CONTROLS INSPECTIONS UNTIL 2018

On August 23, 2017

On August 10, FDA provided a significant update on its inspection plans for the preventive controls for animal food...

TRADE

On August 16, 2017

On May 19, the Trump Administration formally gave notice to Congress that they will be renegotiating the North American...

FARM BILL

On August 16, 2017

Since our last issue of PoliSEEDS, things have begun to move more quickly on the Farm Bill front. While...

Preventive Controls for Animal Food Course Offers FSMA Training for Processing Facilities

On August 9, 2017

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires facilities processing any type of animal food (complete feed or ingredients) to...

ASTA Biologics Working Group Seeking Members

On July 13, 2017

ASTA members have expressed the desire to have the association engage in a range of issues around the use...

ASTA President & CEO ASTA Testifies before House Ag Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation, Farm Bill

On July 13, 2017

On July 12, ASTA President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on the Farm Bill...

ASTA Submits Comments to APHIS, FDA on Plant Breeding Innovation

On June 30, 2017

ASTA recently submitted comments in reference to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) proposed revisions to...

ASTA Joins with Coalition Urging Congress to Support Honey Bee Health in Farm Bill

On June 1, 2017

On May 22, ASTA and other members of the Honey Bee Health Coalition sent a letter to the U.S. House and...

ASTA Calls for Continued Support for Critical Ag Export Programs

On June 1, 2017

ASTA is calling on Congress to oppose the administration’s proposal to eliminate key USDA programs supporting agricultural exports for...

USDA Announces Reorganization, Elevated Focus on Trade, Rural Development

On May 18, 2017

On May 11, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign...

ASTA Hosts Meeting to Discuss Palmer Amaranth, other Weed Issues

On May 18, 2017

On May 9, ASTA hosted a meeting of grower groups, seed companies, and Iowa state government officials to discuss...

Organic Seed Proposal Sent Back to Subcommittee for Revisions

On May 5, 2017

During its meeting on April 21, the National Organic Standards Board unanimously voted to send the organic seed USAGE...

Ag Groups Showcase Innovation, Sustainability at Planter Demo Day

On May 5, 2017

On April 26, ASTA, along with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA),...

FDA Grants Request for Extension on Gene Editing Comment Period

On April 21, 2017

On April 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced its decision to extend through June 19 the comment period for...

EPA Denies Activist Petition on Chlorpyrifos

On April 6, 2017

On March 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to deny a petition by activist groups...

ASTA “Storms the Hill”

On April 6, 2017

Seed industry advocates from 19 states participated in more than 90 meetings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 5,...

Congress Examines Importance of Ag Research

On March 24, 2017

On March 16, the U.S.House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, held a hearing to highlight the...

U.S. is Newest Member of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources

On March 24, 2017

The United States is the newest member of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture,...

Hearings Kick off 2018 Farm Bill Discussions

On March 9, 2017

It’s that time again! Formal Farm Bill discussions have officially kicked off with a series of Congressional hearings. On...

Trump Reiterates Support for Renewable Fuel Standard

On February 23, 2017

President Trump reiterated his support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in a recent letter to the National Ethanol Conference hosted...

USDA Extends Comment Period for Part 340 Rulemaking Proposal

On February 23, 2017

On February 10, USDA announced it would extend through June 19 the comment period for proposed revisions to Part 340. ASTA...

Register Now for ASTA’s 2017 Storm the Hill

On February 23, 2017

Time is running out to register for ASTA’s annual Storm the Hill legislative conference in Washington, D.C.! Join fellow...

FSMA Webinar Follow-up

On February 9, 2017

On Monday, February 6, ASTA held a webinar on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its impacts on...

Food, Ag Groups Urge President Trump to Modernize NAFTA

On January 26, 2017

On January 23, ASTA joined with a diverse group of more than 130 food and agriculture groups in sending...

ASTA Welcomes Direction of USDA Plant Breeding Policy

On January 26, 2017

On January 18, USDA released for pre-publication a proposed rule-making notice related to plant breeding innovation. ASTA has been actively...

Don’t Miss ASTA’s Storm the Hill, April 4-5, 2017!

On January 12, 2017

Registration for ASTA’s annual Storm the Hill is now open! This exciting day-and-a-half legislative conference, April 4-5, offers ASTA...

Join ASTA for a Webinar on the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and its Potential Impacts on Seed Production Facilities

On January 12, 2017

On Monday, February 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET, join ASTA for a special webinar to learn about how FDA Food...