ASTA Promotes Safe Handling and Storage of Treated Seed during Harvest

Alexandria, VA—August  14, 2023—As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers about the importance of taking the appropriate precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply.

Seed treatments provide farmers with an economical means of protecting seeds and seedlings against early-season insect pests and diseases—resulting in stronger and more uniform stands, healthier plants and higher crop yields. Farmers and applicators know the importance of proper management throughout the entire life cycle of the seed to minimize the risk of pesticide exposure to humans and the environment. This includes removing all treated seed left in containers, wagons and equipment used to also handle harvested grain.

“Treated seeds have been widely adopted by growers for good reason,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “By boosting yields and reducing the need to make a pre-plant application  across the entire field, treated seeds offer an economical and sustainable tool to help boost food security while lowering the potential impact on the surrounding environment.”

ASTA and other stakeholder groups offer a variety of educational resources to assist those involved in the process of treating, handling, transporting, or planting treated seeds. To learn more, visit: seed-treatment-guide.com. Get more information about treated seed benefits and safety at betterseed.org/treated-seeds/.

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