RFP: Expert on Plant Breeding Innovation International Regulations and Product Development

RFP: Expert on Plant Breeding Innovation International Regulations and Product Development

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
ASTA’s mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.

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 involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. ASTA advocates on science and policy issues of industry-wide importance.

Objective:
ASTA seeks proposals for a contractor to develop and coordinate strategy for engagement with the international seed industry, public sector researchers, agriculture value chain stakeholders, and relevant government stakeholders on the topic of Plant Breeding Innovations (PBI), including genome editing. The contractor will support ASTA’s international work on PBI for 2025 calendar year (April 2025 – December 2025).

Goal:
Support global alignment of PBI policy by identifying opportunities for regional and international engagement with private industry, regulatory officials in key markets, policymakers, and other thought leaders. Develop and implement an advocacy strategy.

Background:
The U.S. seed industry is closely connected to the global seed industry. U.S. seed companies actively invest in research, seed production facilities, and commercial operations in international markets. Moreover, the industry continually incorporates advanced breeding techniques to develop new plant varieties. As a result, the strength of the U.S. seed industry relies on internationally consistent, science-based, and risk-proportionate policies concerning varieties developed through plant breeding innovation (PBI).

For several years, ASTA has successfully engaged internationally, collaborating with regional and global seed associations to promote the adoption of PBI policies in key countries. While continuing this work remains essential, ASTA is expanding its priorities to ensure regulatory policies are adaptable and responsive to emerging breeding tools and applications. Furthermore, ASTA aims to ensure that regulatory implementation in countries with established policies fosters innovation.

Through strategic partnerships with regional and international seed associations, as well as stakeholders across the value chain, ASTA will advance its objectives by organizing outreach efforts, including events and meetings aimed at target audiences.

As part of this RFP, the Contractor is expected to present a draft vision for how to the seed sector can continue navigate international policies impacting the commercialization of PBI; work with policymakers to shape policies and regulatory requirements to bring PBI to market; and identify key points of engagement in the next 6-12 months that could be leveraged to support ASTA’s international engagement.

For more information, view the full RFP here.