ASTA says tariffs are adding millions in research costs. That could ultimately reduce innovation, seed choice and competitiveness for U.S. farmers.
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is intensifying efforts to persuade the Trump administration to remove planting seed tariffs. They argue the added costs are disrupting the research and development pipeline that underpins U.S. agricultural innovation.
Over the past two weeks, ASTA commented in three Section 301 investigations launched by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative while continuing discussions with administration officials and congressional leaders.
The association says seed companies face a unique challenge. Research seed routinely crosses international borders as it moves through breeding, testing and production programs. ASTA says seed companies cannot move those research activities elsewhere simply to avoid tariffs.
“The U.S. seed sector needs immediate relief from tariffs on seeds,” ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne said in a new release. “We are uniquely exposed to U.S. tariffs, which are adding millions of dollars in expenses to research and development (R&D). U.S. seed companies must move seed within their own R&D pipelines to conduct necessary steps in testing and production that cannot be replicated or relocated.”
LaVigne says removing trade barriers is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in agricultural innovation.
“If we want America to continue to prosper, we must empower and enable seed companies to succeed by removing regulatory hurdles, trade barriers and other obstacles threatening U.S. agriculture innovation,” he said in the release. “Without relief soon, U.S. farmers may potentially face higher prices and fewer choices in the marketplace.”
ASTA urged the administration to eliminate tariffs on planting seed. They contend the costs ultimately affect investment in breeding programs and the ability of companies to deliver new seed technologies to growers. They argue reducing trade barriers would help preserve U.S. seed sector competitiveness while supporting farmer access to innovative genetics.
