From full meeting rooms to quiet corners where serious conversations unfolded, the seed sector has arrived in Orlando ready to work. Across the conference space, the tone is unmistakable: people are comparing notes, asking tough questions, and leaning hard into the relationships that help them navigate a shifting landscape. Conversations this year feel focused and more intentional than ever — a reflection of an industry feeling the weight of change.
Everyone here is navigating the same realities: tighter margins, shifting competition, new technology demands, and an ag economy that’s rewriting expectations in real time. And yet, woven through the discussions is something steadier: a quiet optimism, a commitment to adapt, and a belief that collaboration still moves this industry forward.
Call it resilience. Call it recalibration. Call it a sector that understands moments like this require clarity, honesty, and working together more than ever.
With that spirit in mind, here’s a look inside #FCSC2025 so far — the conversations, connections, and moments that are shaping the seed industry’s biggest week. Welcome to Orlando!
Dave Treinen, ASTA chair and Andy LaVigne, ASTA President and CEO, sat down with Seed World’s Madeleine Baerg to talk Farm Bill, U.S. politics and more. Check out the full interview soon!
A behind-the-scenes look at Seed World’s “on-the-air” moments at ASTA FCSC!
Genesis Seed Solutions’ Nathan Fegley talks hybrid wheat with Seed World’s Madeleine Baerg. Stay tuned for the interview live on Seed World soon: it’s a fascinating look at what’s ahead.
Venkateswarlu Yaganti, Corntech Seeds and Jafar Sani Bello, Nasarawa State University (Kano, Nigeria) travelled 16 and 22 hours respectively to attend ASTA FSCS. Asked if it was worth it, both said “Absolutely!”
Keshavulu Kunusoth, ISTA immediate past president, is getting excited about #ISTA2026, coming June 22-25, in Calgary, Canada. “Come join in Calgary!” he says. “It’s a great opportunity for global seed testing stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss the advancement and shape the future of global seed quality standards.”
Seed World U.S. December issue on display!
NAPB’s Don Cummings popped by the Seed World booth to share big news about a newly created scholarship. The scholarship, which is a partnership between NAPB and APBA with support from industry groups including ASTA, connects six phD plant breeding students in Africa with mentors in both Africa and the US. The two year program is, he says, “an exciting international collaboration in Africa for Africa between plant breeders to support the next generation of scientists.”
The Agrality team, looking sharp at the ASTA welcome reception.
