Front: Tess Howard, Iowa State University Seed Science Center. Left to right: Micah Craven, Integrity Communications; Gene Cassmeyer, Inari; Amanda De Jong, Pivot Bio; David Bubeck, Corteva; Kendall Palmer, Corteva; Cindy Hicks, Iowa State University Seed Science Center; Dave Treinen, Syngenta; Rickiel Franklin da Silva, Iowa State University Seed Science Center.
In June, I had the opportunity to join the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the future of the seed industry. I was one of more than 160 participants representing 16 ASTA groups who met with members of Congress to discuss three critical issues: research and innovation funding, trade and tariffs, and the harmonization of seed regulations.
Altogether, ASTA members met with 85 legislators or their staff. That’s 85 opportunities to underscore that seed isn’t merely where agriculture begins; it’s the very heart of agriculture. The essential work in seed research, breeding, and production underpins every part of the food system.
As part of the Iowa delegation, which included representatives from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center and the Iowa seed industry, I spoke with our state’s lawmakers. Given Iowa’s deep agricultural roots, I expected support. But what truly surprised me was how engaged and receptive every lawmaker was, not just those from Iowa. They were interested. Curious. And they appreciated hearing directly from people who work in and understand the industry. Our real-world stories helped turn abstract policy into concrete priorities, making the issues more immediate and relatable for them.
Here’s what I want to emphasize: your voice matters. Lawmakers want to hear from you, not just during Capitol Hill visits, but year-round. Send an email. Make a phone call. ASTA makes it easy to get started by offering a U.S. Congress Handbook with contact information and tips for effective outreach. Trust me, they read what you send.
As someone who works at the ISU Seed Science Center, I see firsthand how critical seed research and policy are to agriculture. The center is a global leader in seed testing, innovation, and education. But without strong, sustained federal support for research, even institutions like ours can’t fully deliver the improved varieties and technologies that farmers need.
Farmers already grapple with the effects of climate change and the demand to feed a growing global population and face increasing pressure to do more with less: less land, less water, fewer inputs. They shouldn’t also have to fight for access to the very thing that makes agriculture possible: seed.
So take a few minutes this week to plant your own seeds. Reach out to your lawmakers. Share your story. Help shape the future of agriculture, one seed at a time.
