In Memory of Nathan Boardman
- On April 25, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nathan Boardman, Crosbyton Seed Co., on April 22,...
UC Davis SBC 2024 Course Offerings
- On April 25, 2024
Registration is open for several UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) courses. Don’t miss the chance to participate in...
Registration Open for AASCO 2024 Annual Meeting
- On April 25, 2024
The AASCO Board of Directors would like to invite you to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting July 14-20 in...
FAO Celebrates International Day of Plant Health
- On April 25, 2024
May 12 is International Day of Plant Health! This year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations...
ISF Hosts Understanding Access and Benefit Sharing Webinar
- On April 25, 2024
On May 9 at 4:00 p.m. CEST, the International Seed Federation (ISF) is hosting a webinar on “Understanding Access...
ASTA Signs Industry Letter Outlining Importance of Trade
- On April 25, 2024
On April 15, ASTA joined over 170 other organizations in signing a letter to Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking...
NC State Considers Adding New Plant Protection Certificate
- On April 11, 2024
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is considering developing a certificate...
USDA ARS Seeks National Program Leader for National Plant Germplasm System
- On April 11, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Office of National Program in Beltsville, Maryland invites applications for...
USDA ARS Seeks Supervisory Biologist/Plant Pathologist/Plant Geneticist
- On April 11, 2024
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Midwest Area, Plant Introduction Research Unit in Ames, IA is seeking a permanent...
USDA Announces $1.5 Billion Available to Help Farmers Advance Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
- On April 11, 2024
On April 3, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 to invest...
Registration Now Open for UC Davis SBC Courses
- On March 14, 2024
Registration is open for a number of UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) courses. Don’t miss the chance to...
2024 IPSA Scholarship Program Now Open
- On March 14, 2024
The 2024 Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) Scholarship Program is now open! The IPSA scholarship program was created to...
ISU Offers Free Seed Business Management Webinar Series
- On March 14, 2024
For the month of April, Iowa State University’s (ISU) Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business is offering free...
ASTA Signs Letter Outlining the Importance of Trade
- On March 14, 2024
On February 15, ASTA joined over 18 food and agriculture organizations in signing a letter to Congress to draw...
CAST Holds Event for Release of New Issue Paper
- On March 14, 2024
On March 20 at 10:30 a.m. CST, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is holding an event...
Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities to Result in 10.5 Million New Cover Crop Acres
- On February 28, 2024
A recent survey by ASTA found that an added 10.5 million acres of cover crops will be planted in...
2022 Census of Agriculture Data Now Available
- On February 28, 2024
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released data from the 2022 agriculture census. The data provides valuable insights into...
FDA Publishes Guidance on Food Derived from Genome Edited New Plant Varieties
- On February 28, 2024
On February 22, the FDA issued a guidance for industry that describes how firms can voluntarily engage with the...
NOSB Opens Comment Period for Spring 2024 Meeting
- On February 28, 2024
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has opened the comment period for its Spring 2024 meeting through April 3....
New USPTO Meeting Series Invites the Public to Learn about the U.S. Patent System
- On February 28, 2024
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host its first meeting as part of a new Public Engagement...
USDA APHIS Invites U.S. Stakeholders to Comment on NAPPO Documents
- On February 28, 2024
On February 20, USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (AHPIS) announced that the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO)...
USDA Provides Funding to Protect Food Supply and Natural Resources
- On February 15, 2024
On February 6, USDA announced that it is investing over $70 million in over 370 projects through the Plant...
FFAR Looks for Grant Proposal Reviewers
- On February 15, 2024
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is inviting experts across the agricultural sciences to review grant proposals...
Funding Opportunity Through ASAFS
- On February 15, 2024
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced new funding opportunities through the Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa...
Dr. Donn Cummings Receives ISU Award
- On February 15, 2024
The National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) announced that Dr. Donn Cummings will be presented with Iowa State University’s...
CAST Releases New Issue Paper on RNA Interference
- On January 24, 2024
On January 11, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) released a new issue paper titled “RNA Interference...
SIPA to Host Educational Unit on January 28
- On January 24, 2024
On January 28 at 10:30 a.m. PST, in conjunction with ASTA’s Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference in Monterey, the...
Registration Open for ISU 2024 Workshops
- On January 24, 2024
For more than 100 years, the Seed Lab and the Seed Science Center at Iowa State University (ISU) have...
ICIA Names New CEO
- On January 11, 2024
On January 3, the Indiana Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) announced its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Craig Nelson. Craig...
Recognizing Two Industry Leaders
- On December 21, 2023
At the conclusion of 2023, the seed industry will see two of ASTA’s longtime advocates and friends move on...
ASTA Joins Letter to President’s Export Council
- On December 21, 2023
In November, ASTA joined a letter to President Biden’s Export Council, outlining trade policy priorities facing the US agriculture...
Save the Date for the 2024 Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall
- On December 21, 2023
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall! The event, May 6-8, 2024...
PVPO Advisory Committee Accepting Nominations
- On December 21, 2023
USDA’s Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is seeking candidates to serve on the Plant Variety Protection Board. This board...
USDA APHIS Releases New PExD Version
- On December 21, 2023
On December 6, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released the Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD) version 3.5....
Registration Open for UC Davis Seed Production Course
- On December 21, 2023
Designed for seed production professionals and individuals seeking comprehensive knowledge in seed production, cultivation, management, and seed processing, this...
Applications Open for UC Davis EPBA Class VIII
- On December 21, 2023
Applications are open for the UC Davis European Plant Breeding Academy (EPBA) Class VIII which begins October 2024! The...
UC Davis Hosts R&D Leadership Academy (LEAD 2) Module
- On December 21, 2023
Registration is open for the UC Davis R&D Leadership Academy (LEAD 2) module March 18-21, 2024 in Almeria, Spain....
New UC Davis SBC Courses Coming in 2024
- On December 21, 2023
The UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) is offering new courses in 2024! Keep an eye out for more...
UPOV Council Adopts New Explanatory Notes on Essentially Derived Varieties
- On November 15, 2023
On October 27, the UPOV Council adopted the new Explanatory Notes (EXN) on Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV), which replaced...
Registration Open for Farm Foundation Forum on Plant Breeding Innovation
- On November 1, 2023
Registration is open for the next Farm Foundation Forum, Innovation in Gene Editing and Plant Breeding: A Look at...
USDA FAS Visits with ASTA Member Pure Seed
- On November 1, 2023
From September 17-23, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service sent 28 foreign attachés from 22 countries on orientation visits in Eastern,...
FACA Meets with White House Staff
- On November 1, 2023
On October 26, ASTA’s President & CEO Andy LaVigne and other members of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance...
Time is Running Out to Register for UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy
- On October 18, 2023
Only two spots remain for Class IX of the Davis Plant Breeding Academy which starts in February 2024. The...
Registration Open for UC Davis SBC Courses
- On October 18, 2023
Registration is open for a number of UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) courses. Don’t miss the chance to...
SSF and NAPB Host Advances in Plant Breeding Symposia Series Session Three
- On October 18, 2023
On September 13, the Seed Science Foundation (SSF) and the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) held the third...
FTSF Programs Expanding
- On October 4, 2023
First the Seed Foundation (FTSF), a 501(c)(3) established by ASTA in 2008, is growing! Educators across the country are...
Webinar Recordings Available for APHIS AQI User Fees Proposed Rule
- On October 4, 2023
On August 11,the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a proposed rule proposing changes to its...
USDA Holds Webinar for Input on Public Access to Research
- On October 4, 2023
USDA will hold its second stakeholder listening session on October 12 to increase public access to USDA-funded research results....
Applications Open for 2023 USDA Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Grant
- On October 4, 2023
Applications are now open for the 2023 USDA Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) grant. Through the...
U.S. Establishes USMCA Dispute Panel on Mexico’s Agricultural Biotechnology Measures
- On August 23, 2023
On August 17, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the launch of a formal dispute panel under USMCA...
EPA Revised PIP Rule to Add Exemption Categories
- On August 9, 2023
On July 31, 2023, the EPA’s revision to the regulation of Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIP) went into force. The...
USDA Launches State Partnership, Announces Farmer Seed Liaison to Address Agriculture Competition
- On August 9, 2023
On July 19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a partnership with attorneys general in 31 states and...
UC Davis SBC Upcoming Courses
- On August 9, 2023
Time is running out to register for the E-Series: RStudio Level 3 course on September 6-7. Registration is also open for Seed...
USDA Opens Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to Southeast Asia
- On July 26, 2023
USDA is now accepting applications for an upcoming trade mission to Southeast Asia. Participants will travel to Kuala Lumpur...
Nominations Open for Field to Market 2023 Sustainability Leadership Awards
- On July 26, 2023
Field to Market has opened nominations for the 2023 Sustainability Leadership Awards. The awards recognize exceptional leaders that have...
Campaign Launched to Raise Farm Bill Awareness
- On July 26, 2023
On July 12, a group of agricultural, environmental, forestry, nutrition and hunger organizations, including ASTA, launched a coordinated campaign...
Senate Confirms Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
- On July 12, 2023
On July 11, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John...
USDA Expands Crop Insurance Coverage for Camelina
- On July 12, 2023
The USDA recently announced that crop insurance coverage for camelina will be expanded in specific counties nationwide in response...
Purdue University Hosts 2023 ASTA Management Academy
- On July 12, 2023
ASTA continues its partnership with Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business to host the 2023 ASTA Management...
Agri-Pulse: Once a World-leader in Innovation, the U.S. is Now Falling Behind
- On July 12, 2023
On July 11, Agri-Pulse featured an Op-ed from Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association and Andy...
California Minister of Agriculture Visits Rijk Zwaan Research Station
- On June 7, 2023
Last month, California Minister of Agriculture Karen Ross, along with Western Growers Association President Dave Puglia and Helene Dillard...
ASTA Witness Testifies at Senate Hearing on Farm Bill Horticulture Title
- On June 7, 2023
Today, Dr. Margaret Leigh Worthington, University of Arkansas, testified on behalf of ASTA at a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on...
Pairwise Makes History as First Company to Launch CRISPR Food in U.S.
- On May 24, 2023
Congratulations to ASTA member Pairwise on launching the first food made with CRISPR technology in the U.S. market. Conscious...
USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
- On May 24, 2023
On May 15, USDA announced it is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban...
USDA Announces 2024 Trade Missions
- On May 24, 2023
USDA recently announced its 2024 Trade Missions. The missions serve as opportunities to build relationships and market access in...
Save the Date for 2023 Specialty Crops Regulatory Assistance Workshop
- On May 24, 2023
The Specialty Crops Regulatory Assistance announced a new virtual workshop, “Nuts and Bolts of Biotech Regulations,” to be held...
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Finalizes Guidance on Plants with Novel Traits
- On May 10, 2023
On May 3, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published updated guidance for Part V of the Seed Regulation...
Join USDA for a Mental Health Awareness Month Workshop Series
- On May 10, 2023
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, USDA is hosting a series of workshops on Tuesdays from May 9...
USDA Announces New NIFA Director
- On April 26, 2023
On April 24, USDA announced the appointment of Dr. Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National...
Sponsorships Available for APS Seed Pathology Fundamentals Course
- On April 26, 2023
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is seeking sponsorships to make its “Seed Pathology Fundamentals: Regional to Global Implications” course...
Registration Open for UC Davis E-Series Courses
- On April 26, 2023
Based upon a seed industry-wide survey assessing continuous educational needs during the pandemic, the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center...
Applications Open for UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy Class IX
- On April 26, 2023
Applications are open for Class IX of the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy (PBA) which starts in January 2024....
In Memory of John McShane
- On April 26, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John McShane, Stover Seed on April 18, 2023....
Help Spread the “Goodness of Gardening”
- On April 12, 2023
National Garden Bureau (NGB) recently launched the Goodness of Gardening campaign which highlights how gardening can be good for...
SeedWorld Hosts Management Webinar April 27
- On April 12, 2023
On April 27, SeedWorld is hosting a webinar titled “Does Your Management Style Suit Your Team” to discuss how...
USDA Launches Interagency Working Group on Competition and Intellectual Property in Seeds
- On April 12, 2023
Following the recommendations of the recently published report on competition and innovation in seeds and other agricultural inputs, on...
USDA AMS Clarifies Varietal Labeling Requirements under Federal Seed Act
- On April 12, 2023
In March 2023, USDA issued a notice clarifying and reiterating the agency’s commitment to enforcing the varietal labeling requirements...
IPSA Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2023/2024 School Year
- On March 29, 2023
The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) is pleased to announce the opening of the scholarship period for the 2023/2024...
Applications Open for UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy
- On March 29, 2023
Applications are open for Class IX of the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy (PBA) which starts in January 2024....
Registration Open for Upcoming UC Davis E-Series Courses
- On March 29, 2023
Registration is open for the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy℠ (PBA) E-Series: Statistics & Experimental Design course on April...
FTSF Launches New Plant Breeding Curriculum
- On March 15, 2023
On March 14, the First the Seed Foundation, in partnership with Innovature, launched new curriculum that allows students to...
Greg Gerard, JoMar Seeds, Presented with Crop and Soil Merit Award
- On March 1, 2023
Each year at the Corn Belt Seed Conference, an individual is honored with the Crop and Soil Merit Award...
Western Seed Association Announces 2023 Scholarships
- On March 1, 2023
The Western Seed Association (WSA) is currently accepting applications for its 2023 scholarships, awarded to undergraduate and graduate students....
Share the Message about Seed Treatment Stewardship this #Plant23!
- On March 1, 2023
As planting season begins across the country, join ASTA in continuing to remind farmers, applicators, and anyone handling treated...
Help Spread the Word with Farmers: ASTA-SARE-CTIC Launch National Cover Crop Survey
- On March 1, 2023
On March 1, USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and the American...
Deadline Approaching for USDA Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
- On February 13, 2023
In November 2022, USDA released a nationwide survey seeking feedback from farmers, ranchers and forest managers. The deadline to...
Team of Scientists Look to Strengthen Sorghum
- On February 13, 2023
On February 2, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced that a team of scientists at ARS and Purdue University...
USDA NIFA Announces Funding Opportunities
- On February 13, 2023
On February 7, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced funding opportunities through the Agriculture and Food...
USDA Names Simon Liu as New ARS Administrator
- On February 13, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that Simon Liu, Ph.D. was officially named Administrator of the Agricultural...
Seed Science Foundation Joins CADMIM
- On January 25, 2023
The Seed Science Foundation (SSF) is proud to join the Center for Advanced Design and Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluidics...
USDA Introduces E-Application for 1890 National Scholars Program
- On January 25, 2023
On January 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new e-application for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program....
UC Davis SBC Hosts Leadership Program for Plant Breeders and Scientists
- On December 21, 2022
In November, the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) hosted a diverse class of 32 plant breeders and scientists...
UC Davis Hosts 2023 Plant Breeding Academy E-Series
- On December 21, 2022
Based upon a seed industry-wide survey assessing continuous educational needs, the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center has launched online...
Registration Open for UC Davis Seed Production Course
- On December 21, 2022
Registration is open for the Seed Production Course from the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center. This course is tailored...
USDA ERS Releases Cover Crop Usage Data
- On December 21, 2022
USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) has released data from the field-level USDA Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) detailing which...
ICYMI: ASTA Witness Testifies at Senate Ag Committee Hearing on Farm Bill Research Programs
- On December 21, 2022
On December 6, Dr. Katy Martin Rainey, Associate Professor, Agronomy, Purdue University, testified on behalf of ASTA at a...
Nominations Open for APAC and ATAC
- On November 9, 2022
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and United States Trade Representative (USTR) are seeking members for the Agricultural Policy...
Registration Open for APHIS BRS Stakeholder Meeting – Dec. 8 in Maryland
- On October 12, 2022
Registration is open for the APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Service (BRS) Stakeholder Meeting on December 8. The meeting will be...
Registration Open for UC Davis Leadership Program for Plant Breeders & Scientists
- On September 28, 2022
Registration is open for the UC Davis Leadership Program for Plant Breeders & Scientists, November 15-17 in Davis, CA...
First the Seed Foundation Launches New Website
- On September 28, 2022
ASTA’s First the Seed Foundation (FTSF) recently launched a newly redesigned website! Designed to better support teachers in developing...
