ASTA Reiterates Effectiveness and Importance of Seed Treatments

American Seed Trade Association President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne released the following statement in response to the Center for Food Safety’s report on the Value of Neonicotinoids in Agriculture:

“The use of seed treatment technologies by farmers, including neonicotinoid insecticide treatments, is an effective tool to provide the necessary protection of seeds for a strong, healthy start. Using seed treatments delivers a very precise application that shields seeds from the insects and diseases that exist in the soil during those early developmental stages.  This protection ensures that the plant has a greater opportunity to grow a strong root system which is the foundation of a healthy, productive plant.

“In addition, seed treatments reduce the environmental impact of the production process by decreasing the number of spray applications of agrichemical products and lessen exposures to non-target species, including humans and the environment.

“There are several factors that farmers consider as they strive for a healthy sustainable field, many of which are out of a farmer’s control. However, using certain agrichemical products, such as neonicotinoids as a seed treatment, can guard against insect or disease damage during a plant’s most vulnerable developmental stages and help maximize the performance potential of each seed.”