ALEXANDRIA, VA - The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and CropLife America (CLA) announce the release of the updated Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship. The guide, launched in partnership with the Agricultural Retailers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Cotton Council, is an educational tool for farmers, retailers, applicators, and other stakeholders in the handling of treated seed.

Seed treatments, which provide farmers with a targeted and economical means of protecting seeds through germination against early-season pests and diseases, have been widely used since the 1980s.

These innovative tools have contributed to increased crop yields while reducing impact on the environment and risk to applicators. Farmers have reported yield increases anywhere from 3.6% (soybeans) to 71.3% (potatoes).

“As today’s farmers face evolving challenges in the field and the economy, we must ensure they have every tool in the toolbox available. The American Seed Trade Association is proud of our ongoing work in creating accessible materials for farmers and other key stakeholders on the best practices when it comes to handling, planting, and managing treated seed,” said Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of ASTA, in the recent release. “While this innovation has been used for over 45 years, today’s scientists continue to improve seed treatment technologies to protect seed from pests and diseases, ensure maximum yield at harvest, and provide an abundant food, feed, fiber, and fuel supply for our growing global population.”

“Seed treatments continue to be an innovative solution for protecting crops because they incorporate the precise application of pesticides and provide numerous environmental and economic benefits for farmers,” said Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CropLife America. “CLA is proud to sponsor this guide and remains committed to supporting and educating farmers with the information they need to use treated seeds effectively and efficiently.”

The updated guide can be accessed at seed-treatment-guide.com.