News

Seed industry watching farm bill and trade developments

The president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association says several key policy issues remain on their agenda before the end of 2026.

Andy LaVigne says getting a new five-year farm bill across the finish line is at the top of the list.

“We really would hate to come back next year and have to start this process over again with potentially a new Congress.”

He tells Brownfield ASTA is encouraged by trade developments that could help expand overseas markets for American producers.

“We know that farmers rely on having access to global markets and being able to sell our products globally,” he said. “Having that access is key and so we need to continue to look at new opportunities, open markets that we have maybe lost some shares in.”

LaVigne says those issues are important to the seed industry, which has been in a relatively strong position this year.

Andy LaVigne: