ASTA Commends Farm Bill Momentum

ASTA Commends Farm Bill Momentum

Alexandria, VA—May 24, 2024— American Seed Trade Association president and CEO, Andy LaVigne, issued the following statement after the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture considered and passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act in a bipartisan vote.

“ASTA commends Chairman Thompson for his leadership in moving forward the farm bill. Seed producers need certainty to estimate future demand, and the farmers and producers we support need a reliable safety net to ensure they can continue to plant, grow, and harvest the food that feeds a growing global population in an ever-changing climate,” said LaVigne. “We are particularly encouraged to see several ASTA priorities are part of this legislation, including strengthened conservation programs, increased funding for agricultural research and export programs, and much needed clarification for plant breeders through updates to the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology.”

“This mark-up is a positive step towards an updated farm bill that feeds American families, supports our farmers and producers, and puts American agriculture in the spotlight of a global marketplace. We encourage members of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to continue to work together to find common ground on a bipartisan bill that will continue to strengthen the seed industry and all of U.S. agriculture.”

The American Seed Trade Association has been working with congressional leaders and their staffs throughout the 2024 farm bill process to include numerous ASTA priorities, in addition to those listed above. A summary of these priorities can be found at this link.

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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.