Podcasts about american seed trade association

This week's Open Mic guest is Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. Members of ASTA will be in Washington this week spending time on Capitol Hill to lobby for issues critical to the seed industry's future.  LaVigne says along with their customers, ASTA members need the certainty of a new farm bill, free and open global markets as well as science-based regulations that will protect the industry from litigation. 

Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association discusses the "Growing Matters' BeSure! Campaign".  Recognizing the Illinois Farm Bureau Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program with recent grads Jay Long and Kristen Ewing.Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford recaps winter and previews spring. 

The seed market has become more consolidated in recent years. Four companies currently represent more than 50% of commercial seed sales globally: Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, and BASF. But beyond these big four, there are thousands of other businesses developing new, diversified crops.  On today's episode of State of Seed, we hear about the economic forces impacting seeds around the world. We'll find out how they impact not only seed businesses, but also our food in general.   Host Laura Rosbrow-Telem speaks with key business leaders at the World Seed Congress, including J.D. Rossouw, Senior VP and Head of Vegetables Research and Development of the Crop Science Division at Bayer. She also talks to Marco van Leeuwen, ISF President and Rijk Zwaan Managing Director, as well as Sam Crowell, Senior Director for international programs and policy at the American Seed Trade Association.  Plus, Laura calls longtime farmer Andrew Brait, co-owner of Full Belly Farms, about what it is like to buy seeds. Full disclosure: They are related.  Special thanks to Susan McCouch and Jonathan Miller, whose expertise helped inform this episode.  State of Seed is a show from the International Seed Federation, with production services by FP Studios.

On Wednesday's AOA, we start the show with a look at planting progress in the Northern Plains and market analysis ahead of the June WASDE report with DuWayne Bosse from Bolt Marketing. In Segment Two, we have a conversation with the Vice President, Government Affairs with the American Seed Trade Association, Janae Brady. Next up in Segment Three, we learn more about a recent study titled "Boosting Ag Retailer Success Through Manufacturer Support" with Mike Weddel, CEO of Stratus Ag Research. Then we take a look at news headlines in Segment Four.

Dr. Keri Carstens is Chief Executive Officer for Jord BioScience, a leading global provider of novel microbial technology solutions to agriculture products companies. Keri grew up on a farm, continues to farm, and has devoted her career to delivering safe, sustainable solutions that benefit farmers globally. Prior to Jord, Keri spent 14 years at Corteva Agriscience, where she led global regulatory strategy, served on the leadership team to build and launch Corteva's seed applied technologies and biologicals businesses, and held key roles in regulatory science and program management. In 2019 she was recognized as a Laureate in Corteva's R&D organization, one of the company's highest honors for scientists. She is a recognized industry leader, having served as Chair of the American Seed Trade Association's Treated Seed Committee, and served in steering roles for the Honey Bee Health Coalition and Entomological Society of America. In addition, Keri holds adjunct graduate faculty status at Iowa State University, where she mentors graduate students and co-teaches in regulatory toxicology, pesticides, and seed technology courses. Keri earned her B.A. in Biology and Education from Wartburg College, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Toxicology and Entomology from Iowa State University. She and her family enjoy their farm outside of Ames, IA.In this enlightening episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell engages with Keri Carstens of Jord BioScience in a conversation filled with insights on purpose-driven leadership, team building, and creating a resilient, adaptable culture within a rapidly transforming agribusiness landscape. The dialog explores how Carstens's unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen shapes the strategies and ethos of Jord BioScience.Keri Carstens lays out her philosophy as a leader, emphasizing the importance of understanding the company's mission, fostering high-functioning teams, and consistently aligning daily operations with core values. She brings to light her journey from environmental scientist to CEO, illustrating her belief in taking calculated risks and making data-driven decisions. The discussion delves into the nuances of cultivating a startup environment that encourages ownership mindset, fostering transparency, and measuring culture as intentionally as business strategy.Key Takeaways:Intentional leadership entails being purpose-driven, with a clear understanding of why individuals and teams show up to work every day.Building a resilient team is crucial for startups; hiring for passion, curiosity, and the ability to adapt to constant change is key.Culture should be actively measured and managed, similar to any other business strategy, with defined metrics for assessment.Carstens articulates the importance of hiring individuals who can embrace change and find opportunities in challenges, contributing to a positive work environment.Developing an 'owner mindset' among employees is pivotal, fostering a sense of personal accountability and shared successes within the company.Notable Quotes:"Being intentional as a leader, it's being purpose-driven. Why are we here? Do we all know why we show up at work every day?""I'm a believer that things happen for a reason. There is a reason that I'm in this seat, that you are in your seat.""What you are measuring is what you will deliver on.” “If you say you care about being results-driven or having transparent communication with employees, whatever those core values are… then what does that look like and how are you going to measure that? What does culture look like now versus 1 or 2 years from now, as we grow?” "Positivity is contagious. So thinking about how you use that with your team, it doesn't mean everything's always sunshine and roses… But things happen for a...

Most of us don't keep our New Year's resolution to start and stick with an exercise program. Why? (Gary Crawford, Dr. Karen Ensle, and classic comedian, W.C. Fields)USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office are accepting applications through January 31st for federal ag trade advisory committee positions. (Rod Bain and Allison Thomas of the Foreign Agricultural Service)How does extending the current Farm Bill impact the wish lists of various commodity groups and ag organizations for a new one? (Rod Bain. Jobe Young of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Andy LaVigne of the American Seed Trade Association.)Mark Jekanowski, USDA Outlook Board Chairman, said his group is monitoring South American crop developments closely. USDA will release its next forecast this coming Friday, January 12.BROADCAST SCHEDULE:The Morning Newsfeed: Weekdays 7 AM Eastern/4 AM Pacific (6 AM Central)The Midday Newsfeed: Weekdays 11 AM Eastern/8 AM Pacific (10 AM Central)Podcast from January 11, 2024, on the Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, online at heartlandnewsfeed.com, Spreaker, the Heartland Newsfeed Alexa radio skill, and other platforms. Now available on Google Assistant speakers!Listen Live: https://www.heartlandnewsfeed.com/listenliveFollow us on social mediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlnfradionetworkTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/HLNF_BulletinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandnewsfeedMastadon: https://liberdon.com/@heartlandnewsfeedDiscord: https://discord.gg/6b6u6DTSupport us with your financial supportStreamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/heartlandmediaPayPal: https://www.paypal.me/heartlandmediaSquare Cash: https://cash.app/$heartlandnewsfeedPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/heartlandnewsfeedCrypto via 1UpCoin: https://1upcoin.com/donate/heartlandmediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I'm Chuck Zimmerman. During this year's NAFB Trade Talk I interviewed a lot of company representatives and am taking this opportunity to share some of them. These folks had a lot more than just the Golden ZimmComm Microphone in their face! But they are now members of the Golden Mic Club. Here's who you can listen to in this order: Mike DiPaola,Taranis and Ethan Noll, Ag Partners Co-op; Mark Foster, AMVAC; Aaron Robinson, Benson Hill; Aaron Eddy, Azotic and Brian Neineke, Phospholutions. I know that was a lot of information on different products and companies but I hope you enjoyed it. Cindy and I will be on the agriblogging and podcasting trail for the American Seed Trade Association's newly named Field Crop Seed Conference. It is being held in Orlando, FL for the first time. The Golden ZimmComm Microphone will get a workout once again before we start the new year in Ft. Worth at the Beltwide Cotton Conference. That's the ZimmCast for this episode. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

Join us in welcoming Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association to talk about the state of the industry.

Join us in welcoming Andy LeVigne!

In this episode, Ric Dunkle, PhD, Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade for the American Seed Trade Association, joins host Jim Bradeen for an engaging conversation about seed quality and research. The two chat about Ric's career journey in seed pathology, seed pathogens and microbes, international seed trade, the importance of the American Seed Trade Association, and advice for young professionals wanting to have a career in seed pathology. Show notes The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/PlantopiaS3E5 (https://tinyurl.com/PlantopiaS3E5) For more information on the American Seed Trade Association, visit https://www.betterseed.org (https://www.betterseed.org) For more information on APS courses, visit https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx) For more information on APS' Professional Development for Educators, visit https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Ric Dunkle, PhD.

On this episode, Minnesota farmer and First District U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad discusses the farm bill and other policy issues affecting agriculture and rural America. American Seed Trade Association President and CEO Andy LaVigne discusses the farm bill and innovation in the seed industry. Country music singer/songwriter Bobby Marquez provides the details on his Country With Heart benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In The Dirt With Nutrien, Senior Agronomist Mike Howell and Nutrien Manager of Global Market Research, Mark Tully, discuss how tight supply doesn't always mean high prices. In our Meat Monitor segment, we learn about topics discussed at this week's U.S. Meat Export Federation annual conference in Minneapolis, and in “Bushels and Cents,” Ray Bohacz discusses tire pressure gauge accuracy. The episode also features the music of Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders. Timestamps Fastline Marketing Group advertisement: 0:00 Intro and news: 0:30 Goatlifeclothing.com advertisement: 7:48 Memorial Day tribute: 8:07 Brad Finstad, U.S. House of Representatives: 9:24 Andy LaVigne, American Seed Trade Association: 23:23 Bobby Marquez, Country With Heart: 30:50 Mike Howell, Nutrien: 40:09 Soil Test Pro advertisement: 48:57 Kenneth Smith Ramos, former chief NAFTA negotiator: 49:29 Ray Bohacz, “Bushels and Cents”: 52:16 Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders: 53:47

Wednesday's show includes coverage of the American Seed Trade Association's annual event in Chicago. We learn about the U-of-I Extension's collaboration with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs on the Regional Food Economic Development Project. We also highlight the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau's ag rural fire protection grant program.

This week's Open Mic guest is Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association.  For almost a century and a half members of ASTA have worked to improve seed genetics for farmers around the world. LaVigne says opportunities to advance seed genetics are improving with the advent of genetic modification and gene editing. The limitation includes that of consumer acceptance and government approval. LaVigne says consumer desire for healthier and better food are a catalyst for growth, while the industry battles an outdated regulatory system to keep up with new plant traits. ASTA believes better seed can lead to improved sustainability practices and increased production to meet the needs of a growing planet.

Changing climate, severe weather, food security, food waste... These are all factors that go into researching and developing food for the future. Janae Brady leads government affairs with the American Seed Trade Association. She says biotechnology, such as gene editing, serves a great purpose in achieving food goals -- but it's a technology that's not accepted in some parts of the world, creating trade barriers. Port disruptions in the Pacific Northwest are a continuing problem.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supply chain disruptions are just a few of the things that the seed industry worldwide is working through.  Stephanie Hoff talks to Adam Lavigne from ASTA, the American Seed Trade Association, explains some of the challenges they're working through and items that people may not even realize impact seed availability. Ashley Huhn with the Steffes Group talks with Stephanie Hoff about upcoming auctions around Wisconsin and how prices continue to trend higher. Tom Bressler, executive director of the WI Agribusiness Association, talks about next week's Agribusiness Classic.  An industry networking opportunity for crop advisors and agribusiness leaders to update their education components and see the latest technology.  He talks with Pam Jahnke about this year's conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're seeing the effects of supply chain disruption all over the place from the grocery store to the mall. But products we don't normally think about are feeling it too, for example, cover crop seeds. Andy Lavigne, the president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, says the seed industry is seeing the effects of supply chain disruption, too.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Open Mic guest is Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. While farmers grapple with the price and availability of fertilizer and crop protection products for 2022, LaVigne says the seed industry should be well supplied and ready to meet seed demand for the new year. LaVigne says the seed industry needs consistent regulatory rules from Washington and uniform acceptance and guidance on new plant breeding techniques. LaVigne says global acceptance of new crop traits is essential to help farmers meet their production and sustainability goals. LaVigne sees new plant-based proteins, fuels and products as opportunities for growth for farmers and seed providers.

Friday, August 20: Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/podcasts/20210820ABR.mp3

The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today's guest is Andy LaVigne, President & CEO of the American Seed Trade Association.

The longest-running farm program in West Texas, the AgriBusiness Report is our daily interview program with decision-makers in the world of Agriculture. Today's guest is Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association

What do health tests and vaccines have to do with growing food? Both have benefited from science that has helped lead to COVID-19 tests and vaccines and potentially more climate-smart, nutritious foods and other products. Fan-Li Chou, vice president, scientific affairs and policy for the American Seed Trade Association, and Clint Nesbitt, senior director, science and regulatory affairs for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, shed some light on the topic

What do health tests and vaccines have to do with growing food? Both have benefited from science that has helped lead to COVID-19 tests and vaccines and potentially more climate-smart, nutritious foods and other products. Fan-Li Chou, vice president, scientific affairs and policy for the American Seed Trade Association, and Clint Nesbitt, senior director, science and regulatory affairs for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, shed some light on the topic

Get the latest agriculture news in today’s Farm City Newsday, hosted by Danielle Leal. Today's show is filled with stories covering Chick-fil-A suit against chicken producers for price-fixing, animal activists tying animal agriculture to the pandemic and folks from the American Seed Trade Association are closely watching the transition in Washington.Tune in to the show for these news stories, recipes, features and more.

Alex Martin and Dr. Fan-Li Chou, vice president of scientific affairs and policy of the American Seed Trade Association, meet and chat during the Virtual ASTA CSS Seed Expo 2021. Chou discusses how onboarding to a new job has been anything but normal during a pandemic, but she’s been diving right into her role. Her biggest […] The post Dr. Fan-Li Chou’s Onboarding Was Anything But Normal appeared first on Seed World.

During the Virtual ASTA CSS Seed Expo 2021, Alex Martin sits down with Andy LaVigne, CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. LaVigne discusses some of the difficulties in working from home and switching to virtual seed meetings. However, LaVigne says that while it’s been an interesting switch, the seed industry and ASTA have found […] The post Finding Workarounds During COVID-19 with Andy LaVigne appeared first on Seed World.

Today on Midday: In Ag Weather, Paul explains when and how much snow is possible. Alex visits with the American Seed Trade Association about an update on seed innovations and the mystery seed packets. Jayson has the latest Sports. Clay has a special feature with long time market analyst Laddie Wilson as he says goodbye. Clay returns with John Payne and more on Midday! Listen to KRVN Midday, updated each day after 1:30 pm (CTS)!

This week's Open Mic guest is Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. Many believe consumers have a new appreciation for farmers and the overall food supply chain following the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world hopes science delivers an answer to the disease, some of those same consumers push back against new seed innovation that can lead to a more secure food supply. In this interview, LaVigne discusses challenges the industry faces with new trade agreements and an influx of dollars being invested in the food and ag sector. He reports on the “mystery seed” packages and outlines how governments and consumers can help farmers achieve sustainability and food production goals.

Sinikka Waugh and Andrew Lauver discuss the 4 Things Learned by Taking a Leap Mid-Career to Go Back to School. Andrew Lauver serves as Manager, Industry Relations at Syngenta. Andrew has experience in seed and precision agricultural services in Iowa, Wisconsin and Western Canada. He has interned with Senator Grassley, the Iowa House of Representatives as well as the American Seed Trade Association and has volunteered with the World Food Prize, Chicago Council, Iowa Corn Growers, Soy Growers, Cattlemen's, Farm Bureau, Rotary International, and Grow Iowa Ag. Andrew is from a fifth generation family farm and received his BS from Iowa State University in Agricultural Studies, holds a Master of Agribusiness from Kansas State University, and a Master of Jurisprudence from the Drake University Law School. Andrew has been active in AGR, FFA and 4-H. He has international farm and animal agricultural study experience in Europe, Asia, and South America and has been named a Future Giant of the Seed Industry by Seed World Magazine, was also named to the AgGrad 30 under 30, and Seed World magazine 20 under 30 lists. Andrew contributes directly to Syngenta's grower and stakeholder engagement.

In this week's episode of the Germination Podcast, Marc Zienkiewicz goes into his archives and unearths two interviews he did back in February at the American Seed Trade Association's Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference in Monterey, Calif., just prior to the pandemic. His interview subjects? ASTA president Andy LaVigne and Yan Branco, VP of produce merchandising at Sobey's here in Canada. The post ASTA’s Andy LaVigne and Yan Branco of Sobeys on Consumers and the Marketplace appeared first on Germination.

Throughout this growing season, The Growing Matters coalition will be discussing stewardship best practices as part of the BeSure! campaign. The coalition is reminding farmers and applicators to follow best management practices when using neonic products, including treated seed and crop protection products, to protect pollinators.Today we have Jane DeMarchi, vice president of government and regulatory affairs from the American Seed Trade Association, to discuss the importance of following product labels, using seed-flow lubricants to mitigate dust-off and best management practices to help protect pollinators.For more information, visit www.growingmatters.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wayne Gale, president of Ontario’s Stokes Seeds and president of the American Seed Trade Association, sits down with Marc Zienkiewicz to talk about top issues affecting the world of vegetable seed and how he got into the seed business after initially intending to be a computer programmer. Recorded at the American Seed Trade Association’s 59th […] The post Wayne Gale on Consumer Perception in the Age of GMO appeared first on Seed World.

Dana O'Brien, Executive VP of Food and Agriculture at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association discuss the biotech industry from an environmental perspective.  Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association   Dana O'Brien, Executive VP of Food and Agriculture at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization   Biotech is important for feeding the world with nutrients, mitigating food waste, and developing crops that are more resilient for climate change. 

Marc Zienkiewicz sits down with Dale Krolikowski, head of operations and research at Germains Seed Technology, division chair for the American Seed Trade Association’s Vegetable & Flower Seed Division and chair of ASTA’s Seed Treatment and Environment Committee. We discuss his love of surfing, how it influences his way of doing business, and a new […] The post Catching a Wave with Dale Krolikowski appeared first on Seed World.

The president of Syngenta Flowers North America sits down to talk about why he traded a career in research for one in business. He also talks about his love of flowers and what consumers are looking for in decorative plants. Interview hosted by Marc Zienkiewicz and recorded at the American Seed Trade Association’s 59th Vegetable […] The post Why Scott Valentine Traded the Lab for the Boardroom appeared first on Seed World.

Samantha Thomas, external engagement strategy lead at Bayer Crop Science, sits down to talk about her love of riding motorcycles and how it’s made her better at her job. Interview hosted by Marc Zienkiewicz and recorded at the American Seed Trade Association’s 59th Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference going on right now in Monterey, California. The post Bayer’s Samantha Thomas: The Relationship Between Motorcycles and Effective Engagement appeared first on Seed World.

Diane Blazek, executive director of the National Garden Bureau and All-American Selections, chats about her love of gardening, the National Garden Bureau’s 100th anniversary, and what she thinks the average garden might look like 100 years from now. Interview hosted by Marc Zienkiewicz and recorded at the American Seed Trade Association’s 59th Vegetable and Flower […] The post What Will the Garden of 2120 Look Like? Diane Blazek Has Some Insights appeared first on Seed World.

In this week's program you can hear Cindy talk with Wayne Gale, Stokes Seeds and Chairman of the American Seed Trade Association. I then talk with Bill Cook, Executive Director of the Missouri Hemp Association about their inaugural Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic. Wayne talks about hemp because it is a topic many members of ASTA have been asking about. Cindy and I will be attending the annual ASTA CSS & Seed Expo in Chicago this month. Then I will be attending the Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic in January.  There is a lot of information being published suggesting that growing hemp will provide new revenue streams for farmers but at the same time I've seen stories saying we have a glut of hemp on the market and farmers need to be very careful of their decisions. So what is right? I don't know yet. This new crop, which is an old crop, has a lot of potential and the rules, regulations and infrastructure to support it is in the start up phase. Learn some more about it in this week's program and feel free to contact me if you have questions. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

Scott Wohltman wears many hats. He’s a CCA, cover crop chair for the American Seed Trade Association, and the cover crop lead for LaCrosse Seed in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. It’s fair to say he keeps pretty busy. Scott talks about how he’s giving direction to growers with acres enrolled in CRP, where the cover crop industry is headed, and LaCrosse Seed’s role as being a trusted source for growers and retailers. The AgPro Radio Podcast features insights and perspectives vital to AgPro readers and is hosted by Ashley Davenport. Episodes are available on the new AgriTalk Radio app every Wednesday and wherever you find podcasts. Have an idea for the podcast? Tweet her at @AshD926 or send an email to adavenport@farmjournal.com

This week's guest on Open Mic is Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. In this week's interview LaVigne discusses the two biggest issues facing his industry: trade and acceptance of new technology. LaVigne applauds the Trump administration for taking on longstanding obstacles to fair trade and a new information partnership with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. Innovature is a new platform designed to encourage conversations around innovation in food and agriculture. LaVigne says the initial focus is on gene editing which he says can help preserve the planet, improve consumer health, and increase food production.

Thursday on AoA, Sabrina Hill talks with Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa about the possibility of the president making a big announcement on E15. They also discuss the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and progress on the Farm Bill. Hill also talks with Abigail Struxness of the American Seed Trade Association, and we hear from Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation.  

This ZimmCast comes to you from the ASTA CSS 2017 and Seed Expo in Chicago which I attended last week for the sixth year in a row, and Jamie got to experience for the first time. Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. The CSS stands for corn, sorghum and soybeans. The conference, which is held annually in Chicago, began as the Corn & Sorghum Conference in 1945. The Soybean Seed Research Conference was added in 1970 and the Seed Expo trade show started six years later. All wrapped into one, the event brings about 2500 seed industry professionals together every year to usher in the holiday season by unwrapping the latest seed research, policy, and technology. Jamie and I sat down with Greg Lammert of Rhea+Kaiser, who was at the event representing their client Bayer, and we talked about the conference, the industry and communicating the story of agriculture. Also included are interviews with ASTA chair Tracy Tally of Justin Seed Co. and Julie Borlaug, Inari Agriculture who spoke at the meeting. Enjoy!

This week's guest on Open Mic is Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. In this week's interview LaVigne describes an industry in a state of regulatory flux. Decisions are pending on regulations proposed under the Obama administration and anticipated under the Trump administration on biotech labeling and approval of new techniques in plant breeding. LaVigne shares industry concerns on global trade agreements and goals for the 2018 farm bill.

New innovations in seed breeding and biotechnology hold promise of helping members of the American Seed Trade Association to continue their goal of providing high quality seed to their customers. However, consumer acceptance and regulatory approval of new seed traits proves to be a continuing challenge for the seed industry. Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the ASTA says they're introducing an educational campaign to help farmers, consumers and government agencies understand what seed companies are doing to bring new varieties to the market place. LaVigne ASTA's goal is to have a regulatory structure that is clear and transparent for the seed industry.Jeff NalleyAndrew LaVigne