Partner Association Updates from PSA’s 100th Annual Convention

Partner Association Updates from PSA’s 100th Annual Convention

At PSA’s 100th Annual Convention in Honolulu, we were pleased to feature updates from several key partner associations whose work directly impacts our members and the broader seed industry. These sessions highlighted important advocacy, education, and regulatory efforts underway across the region and nationally.

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)

Crystal Fricker shared a detailed update on the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), which represents roughly 700 member companies involved in seed production, plant breeding, and related services, with a professional staff of about a dozen people supporting this diverse membership from “alfalfa to zucchini.” ASTA continues to invest in member engagement tools, including a “Buddy Pass” program that allows current members to nominate up to four people per year for complimentary conference attendance to help bring new voices into the conversation.

Looking ahead, ASTA’s 2026 Leadership Summit will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a strong focus on advocacy, leadership development, and student engagement. ASTA will also host its annual Washington, D.C., meeting in June, providing opportunities for members to meet directly with senators, representatives, and their staff to discuss priority issues for the seed sector.

On the policy front, ASTA is closely tracking an active state legislative landscape, including dozens of bills that affect pollinators, many of them tied to neonicotinoid-treated seed. Monthly virtual meetings led by staff (including Jordan Gregory) keep members informed about emerging state-level proposals and regulatory changes. Key national priorities continue to include the Farm Bill, pesticide registrations, trade tariffs, intellectual property protection, and phytosanitary regulations that govern international seed movement.

Internationally, ASTA staff such as Martha Malapi are working to resolve phytosanitary barriers and support U.S. seed exports into key markets. This includes responding to new concerns in some countries that are labeling seashore paspalum as invasive, as well as active engagement in markets like Portugal and Spain to address issues impacting grass seed shipments and delays at borders.

Crystal also highlighted ASTA’s work on the “VNS” (Variety Not Stated) issue. ASTA is convening a workforce group to better define and communicate different levels within VNS—such as “variety unknown” and “salvage seed”—with the goal of strengthening the market for proprietary varieties and improving transparency for seed buyers.

Oregon Seed Association (OSA)

PSA members also heard Kate Hartnell provide an update from the Oregon Seed Association (OSA), which is investing heavily in member education and long-range planning. OSA runs a monthly “Lunch and Learn” series that covers topics such as contract basics, legislative updates, and recruiting practices developed in partnership with Oregon State University’s career development programs. Upcoming sessions will feature content from the “Grasses is Good” initiative as well as updates from the association’s Science & Technology and Production Committees.

In addition, OSA is organizing a full-season grass workshop in April, which will offer five continuing education credits for participants. A technical workshop is also being planned for April to address international shipping, phytosanitary requirements, and key contract terminology—areas that directly affect many seed exporters in the region.

Strategically, the OSA board is in the process of developing a five-year plan to guide the association’s priorities and programs. As part of that work, OSA has circulated a member survey to gather input on top issues, services, and opportunities members want the association to focus on. The board will be meeting at the end of the month to review this feedback and refine the strategic roadmap.

Looking ahead, OSA’s annual meeting is scheduled for June 15–17 in Hood River, providing a chance for members to connect, earn additional education credits, and weigh in on the association’s direction for the coming years.

Montana Seed Trade Association (MSTA)

Finally, PSA heard from the Montana Seed Trade Association (MSTA), with an update presented by board member Chad Becker of Treasure State Seed. The association continues to provide a forum for Montana’s seed trade and works closely with state regulators on issues affecting the movement of seed in and out of the state.

MSTA’s upcoming schedule includes a summer social meeting with golf planned for June 22–25 in Whitefish at Grizzly (Grouse) Mountain Lodge, as well as a winter meeting from December 7–10 that will feature educational speakers and opportunities for members to discuss current production and market topics. These events offer valuable time for networking, business discussions, and updates on policy and regulatory developments.

On the regulatory front, MSTA is actively working with the Montana Department of Agriculture on rule changes to address invasive amaranth species, particularly Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, which pose a significant threat to crop production if introduced through contaminated seed. One proposal under consideration would require genetic testing on certain incoming seed lots to distinguish problematic species and prevent their introduction into Montana while still allowing compliant seed to move freely.

PSA appreciates the strong partnership with ASTA, OSA, MSTA, and other regional and national organizations that are working every day to support a healthy, innovative, and internationally competitive seed industry. Their advocacy, education programs, and technical expertise help ensure that PSA members are informed, represented, and equipped to navigate the evolving policy and market landscape.