American Seed Trade Association | Storm the Hill
Recently Dale Krolikowski Head of Operations and Research at Germains Seed Technology participated in last week’s “Storm the Hill” national seed industry Fly-in in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), “Storm the Hill” is a unique opportunity for seed-industry partners from every sector and every part of the nation to join together with a unified voice on Capitol Hill.
ASTA Addresses Congress at Storm the Hill
“With Congress debating serious issues that will impact the future of the seed industry, the timing couldn’t have been better for our industry to join together with a unified voice on Capitol Hill,” said Dale Krolikowski, Head of Operations and Research “It was a tremendous experience to walk the halls of Congress with fellow seed advocates representing every sector of the industry and every region of the nation. While our industry is diverse, we have a shared commitment to producing better seed for a better quality of life.”
Vegetable Seeds Treatments | Germains Seed Technology, North America
Germains and other ASTA members are working to ensure the efficient movement of seed from state-to-state and around the world. Germains urged Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and move an aggressive trade agenda so the U.S. can compete on a more level global playing field. Seed plays an important role in preserving, rehabilitating and reclaiming fragile lands, and maintaining habitat for wild species. Pollinators are vital in seed and agriculture production, as well as general ecosystem health. Experts agree that bee health is affected by numerous factors however based on the latest research singling out pesticides as a main cause of colony health decline is misguided and not warranted.
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge | Photo courtesy of American Seed Trade Association
The Importance of the National Seed Strategy
ASTA recognizes the need for Congressional oversight in the implementation of the National Seed Strategy; the importance of close collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Interior and the seed industry on pollinator strategies. Germains also advocated for a number of priority issues related to conservation and the environment, including: continued investment in USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs; and full funding for the USDA-NRCS Plant Material Centers.
Click here for more information on national seed industry legislative priorities.