b'Uniquely, Brady mentions one edgeASTA is always going to be talking industry lobbyists have currently is theabout the importance of ag research, administrationparticularly Presidentinnovation and of the policies that sur-Biden and Secretary Vilsackare notround things like gene editing, regulations new to their positions.at the USDA, EPA and FDA, Brady says. Both were here under PresidentAcross the board, those are always going Obama, she says. Thats helpful, becauseto be top priorities and things that were were not dealing with brand new actors.watching closely.We know a little bit of the policy positionsMore broadly, Brady says another that folks are coming in with. focus is gearing up for the 2023 Farm Bill Although, even with that being said,discussion. its important to continue staying on yourJanae Brady. We want to start ramping up for the toes. 2023 Farm Bill discussion sooner rather Even though some of the faces arethan later, Brady says. I expect that the same, the climate is different nowsomething were going to want to get in than it was four years ago, eight yearsthe door pretty quickly, and June works ago or more, Brady says. Some of thefor our timing. Well start laying out some issues have changed, and the prioritiesof those priorities and issues, including have changed. Obviously, things likeconservation, research, and the role of the COVID and the pandemic are some ofseed industry in those programs. those really drastic issues weve dealt withTheres 12 titles in the Farm Bill, and nationally and globally. Im sure we have a priority in every single title, she says.States Hone in on Seed Treatment Finally, trade continues to be an issue In terms of state policies, Miller notes thatASTA is working on. luckily, the federal administration doesntSome of the tariffs are still in place directly influence state governments andthat our members have been deal-their policies. ing with over the last few years, she Its a new presidential administra- says. Depending on which member of tion, he says. Its kind of like a laggingCongress we are speaking to, we will have indicator in the States. Theres a little bitPat Miller.a number or priorities to highlight.of influence there, and while some stateAs for state issues, most state legisla-representatives did shift, theres not ation is out of session. major immediate change. What Ive seenMy focus and the goal I have for is in a couple of years, youll see that influ- In fact, theres one particular bill thatthe PLDC is to encourage engagement, ence coming down, but at this time, itscaught Millers eyea bill introducedencourage communication discussions, too soon. in New York that would ban the use ofand to motivate people to be more But that doesnt mean that state priori- treated seed.involved with their associations, Miller ties arent top-of-mind, too. Miller notesWere working to help policymakerssays, noting that getting involved with that hes been tracking important bills asunderstand just how integral seed treat- state associations is just as important with they move through state governments.ments are as part of farmersintegratedgetting involved at ASTA. I usually track about 100 to 120 bills inpest management strategies, he says.As for timing, Miller says when working a year, and in all the states this year, I haveInnovations in seed treatments provideon state legislations, fall is a good time to over 80 bills that are related to treatedan extremely targeted and effectivework in the States. seed, Miller says, noting that one of theapproach for pesticide applications andFall and late summer are a good time biggest concerns for states in terms ofpest controlthats good news for farm- to try and get ahead of things, he says. seed is treated seed or pesticides.ers and for the environment.Well also present on what happened in Miller notes that if you keep an eye onthe 2021 state legislative sessions, and every state, theres almost 600 bills thatWhat to Know for the PLDC what lessons are learned and how to pre-have been filed that deal with pesticides. In terms of what to keep in mind whenpare for 2022.SWSome are rising to the top, some areattending the PLDC in Washington D.C. following them to the side, and its thatthis summer, there are a few things ASTAEditors Note: This piece was published time in the session where we get to pickwould like to continue to bring to thein early May, and some legislative pieces our winners, he says.attention of policymakers.might have changed prior to the PLDC.40/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2021'