First-the Seed

Seeds are the foundation of human and animal life on earth—the foods we eat, the fibers we wear, and most of the products we use in our daily lives are created from a seed. As the delivery mechanism for new plant technologies and varieties, seed is also the crux of agriculture.

ASTA's motto, "First-the Seed," expresses the basic premise that underlies the seed industry:There is no substitute for quality seed—a fact of life dating back to the early settlers who knew it as the difference between survival and disaster. Quality seed is essential for growing quality crops.

Our Mission

ASTA's mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and free 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.

Who We Are

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 850 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry-wide importance.

What We Do

ASTA, directed by its members, is involved in nearly all issues relating to plant germplasm, focusing on three areas of industry importance:

• Regulatory and legislative matters at international, national and state levels;
• New technologies impacting all crop species; and
• Communication and education of members and appropriate public audiences regarding science and policy issues affecting the seed industry.

Activities include enhancing the visibility of seed issues in the public arena; advocating industry-wide positions on policy issues; informing members about environmental and conservation issues and new developments in plant breeding, such as the use of modern biotechnology; conducting meetings to inform members about seed issues and to encourage fellowship among seed professionals; promoting global sales of U.S. seeds; funding select seed research programs; and maintaining positive working relationships with related professional organizations.

Our Beliefs

As outlined in our strategic plan, ASTA's values center around these beliefs:

• Diversity of membership in terms of company size, products and geographic area served is beneficial to the culture of ASTA. One vote per member company shall be granted, regardless of size.
• Development of policies and positions should keep both traditions and visions of the future in mind.
• Well thought-out decisions usually result from a climate that is open, relaxed, participatory and deliberate.
• Intellectual property rights must be protected, and members who invest in them should expect a return.
• Conflicts are best resolved via the ad hoc committee method.
• Members must be strongly motivated and commited to profitability and growth in the seed industry.
• ASTA must have good, visionary leadership with strong member involvement. We must be pro-active and monitor for new legislation and regulations.

Benefits

• Provides a strong, effective voice in support of the seed industry's interests;
• Informs members about research developments, industry trends, legislation, and regulations—most everything that can affect seed business and its profitability;
• Provides a forum for sharing ideas, information, opinions and concerns with professionals who have mutual interests; and
• Provides services and professional development programs specific to the seed industry that are not available from other trade associations.

Membership Profile

ASTA has about 850 member companies, including roughly 550 active members that are directly involved in seed production or distribution and research and development, 25 corresponding members that produce or distribute seed outside of North America, 85 affiliate members that are related associations and agencies, and 200 associate members that provide products or services for the seed industry. ASTA membership accounts for approximately 85 percent of all private U.S. seed companies operating in the United States. Ninety-five percent of ASTA's active members are small businesses that report annual sales of less than $15 million.

Most active, affiliate, and associate members are headquartered in North America, predominantly in the United States. ASTA values and promotes diversity of membership, in terms of company size, products and geographic area served. Each member company is given one vote, regardless of size.

Leadership

ASTA is driven by its membership, which is represented by a board of directors comprised of a 15-member executive committee, all living past-presidents of the association, division chairs, up to three directors-at-large, chairs of the International and Legislative & Legal Concerns Committees, and ASTA representatives to the Canadian Seed Trade Association and Mexican Seed Trade Association.

The executive committee is comprised of the association's president, first vice president and second vice president; three most recent past-presidents; regional vice presidents representing U.S. northeast, southeast, southern, central, north central, northwestern and western regions; and vice presidents from Canada and Mexico.

Committees and Divisions

Most issues are bottom-up driven from member representatives on ASTA committees or divisions. ASTA has seven divisions to which any member can belong, including the Associate Members, Broker-Agents, Corn & Sorghum, Farm Seed, Lawn Seed, Soybean and Vegetable & Flower Seed Divisions. Each division has its own governing body and committees pertaining to division meetings and activities.

ASTA has nine standing committees addressing key seed science, policy, and education issues. They include the Biotechnology, Environment and Safety/Seed Treatment and Protection, Intellectual Property Rights (with Variety Identification Subcommittee), International (with Phytosanitary Subcommittee), Legislative & Legal Concerns, Management Skills Program, Public Research Advisory, Seed Industry Relations, and Trade Rules Committees.

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ASTA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact ASTA at (703) 837-8140.