PSA Committee Updates April 2026

The Pacific Seed Association is revitalizing its committees. We plan to include updates from several committees on each Lunch & Learn. If you have questions for the committees, please reach out to the PSA office and you will be directed to the appropriate committee chair.

Technology & Associates Committee Update

• Tariff Refunds: 

  • Customers who imported goods from the EU may be eligible for refunds on tariffs deemed illegal, requiring suppliers to file a protest via a specific portal.

  • Suppliers must follow a specific protocol, including setting up a portal account and registering, to process the refund protest. No refunds have been issued yet, but they are expected.

• Future Tariffs: The temporary tariff mandate expires in June 2026, with the possibility of stricter, targeted tariffs on specific industries to follow. Significant updates on tariffs will be shared via the association newsletter.

• Transportation Costs: The conflict in Iran is expected to increase shipping and freight costs over the summer. Members are advised to watch contract terms related to shipping and freight costs closely, as these are expected to increase over the summer of 2026.

Oregon Legislative Update

• The Oregon short legislative session ended in March 2026.

• HB 4065-1: Amended the slow pay/no pay law, increasing interest rates for late payments by dealers.

• SB 1507: Passed, disconnecting from the federal tax bill and removing 100% first-year depreciation on new assets. The Oregon Seed Association opposed this bill because it removed the provision allowing 100% depreciation in the first year for new assets.

• Lobbying Efforts: 

  • An Oregon Seed Association delegate joined the Oregon Seed Council on a lobbying trip to Washington D.C. The delegate visited all eight Oregon member offices, as well as some from Washington and California.

  • Meetings were also held with the USDA ARS, APHIS, EPA, and the Office of Pest Management Policy.

  • A detailed summary of the trip is available on the Oregon Seed Council's LinkedIn or Facebook page.

PSA Legislative Committee

Members who are interested or involved in legislative issues at the state or federal level are invited to volunteer for the Legislative Committee. The committee helps identify policy issues affecting the seed industry, works on solutions, and makes recommendations to the PSA Board on advocacy priorities. Reach out to Freya if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity.