Who We Are
Founded in 1883, 雅博在线平台 (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of over 700 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.
ASTA’s mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and 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.
What We Do
雅博在线平台, 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 US seeds; funding select seed research programs; and maintaining positive working relationships with related professional organizations.
Membership Profile
ASTA has more than 700 member companies, including over 400 active members that are directly involved in seed production or distribution and research and development, 30 corresponding members that produce or distribute seed outside of North America, 56 affiliate members that are related associations and agencies, 25 reciprocal members and 200 associate members that provide products or services for the seed industry. ASTA membership accounts for approximately 85 percent of all private US 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.
Strategic Goals
ASTA is an organization formed and directed by its members as an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. This mission is supported by the association’s advocacy efforts regarding intellectual property rights, regulatory and phytosanitary reform, and regulatory harmonization worldwide in the seed sector.
To assure success of its mission, ASTA is guided by a comprehensive strategic plan that details the opportunities, objectives and necessary actions to meet the many challenges facing the seed industry now and in the future.
Domestic Policy
Be a respected voice on domestic policy issues impacting the seed industry. Continue to grow and enhance the ASTA comprehensive government affairs program and regularly engage and communicate with members and stakeholders on federal, state and local issues. Determine action on active issues where ASTA leads, supports or monitors.
Innovation
Strive to develop a domestic and international environment that facilitates innovation throughout the seed industry.
Communications
Establish ASTA as the leading voice for the U.S. seed industry, demonstrated by its position as the go-to source on seed issues for consumers, ASTA members, member organizations, legislators, regulators, media, and other stakeholder groups.
Intellectual Property Rights
Advance the use and respect of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection for the seed sector globally.
International
Improve the opportunities for ASTA member companies to do business in international markets.
ASTA Membership & Internal Matters
Maintain and grow strong plans for: membership retention, engagement and recruitment; meetings structure and management; and human and financial resource management to ensure the key issues of membership are addressed through a sound association foundation.
