b'For more information, visit:seed-treatment-guide.com. The First Line of DefenseTREATED SEEDShave been widely adopted byuse (Maine) and only allowing the use or purchase of growers for two key reasons:neonics by certified applicators (Maryland). Legislation 1) They are a highly effective tool for farmers toaffecting treated seed is expected to be just as vigor-protect the genetics they have purchased.ous during the 2022 state legislative sessions.2) They are an extremely targeted, preciseAs an industry, we know the value of treated seeds; approach for application that is a critical component ofand we know policies that would take these tools safe integrated pest management practices.out of the hands of growers would have devastating This ultimately reduces the need for farmers tounintended consequences. Without treated seeds, apply products over the entire fieldresulting in ben- farmers would be forced to rely on a few, older and ANDY LAVIGNE efits for both growers and the environment.less precise classes of chemistry. According to research Andy LaVigne is theSeed treatments provide seeds with an importantby AgInfomatics, if seed treatments were not avail-CEO of the Americanfirst line of defense from soil born pests and diseaseable to farmers, one pound of neonicotinoids would be Seed Trade Associationthrough germination and emergence. For the environ- replaced with nearly five pounds of other insecticides, (ASTA).ment, this means less impact on natural resources andresulting in an increase in application rate per acre of non-target organisms. For farmers, it means less pro- 375% and hundreds of millions of dollars in additional duction costs and higher yields. For all of us, it meanscosts to farming operations. In addition, U.S. cropped access to high-quality, affordable food for our families. land would need to increase between 340,000 and In addition to their effectiveness, its important410,000 acres to offset losses in yield and quality, to note thatdespite what you might read in cer- much of which would come from the Conservation tain media outletstreated seeds are indeed highlyReserve Program, environmentally sensitive land regulated, just as foliar- and soil-applied pesticidesestablished to preserve water, soil and wildlife.are. The Federal Seed Act regulates the labeling, saleThat is why ASTA our continues to place a high and movement of seed in the U.S. Federally approvedpriority on educating policymakers about treated seed labels must reflect the risk assessment and mitigation specifically around safety and efficacy. As we have processes. These products must also undergo thor- these important discussions with policymakers, its ough evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protectioncritical that we simultaneously continue to do our part Agency (EPA) and applicable state agencies prior toto communicate along the entire seed treatment value commercialization and periodically thereafter.chain, around the importance of proper stewardship. Yet, despite their proven benefits and highly regu- This has been an ongoing and longstanding com-lated nature, these tools are generally misunderstoodmitment of our industry. Several years ago, ASTA in outside of the agriculture community. This misunder- collaboration with industry and grower partners, devel-standing has led to increased scrutiny by the mediaoped the Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardshipa and misguided policy efforts. Take for example, whatcomprehensive set of best practices, for applicators were currently seeing in the state legislatures. Not onlyand farmers, around the handling of treated seed. Each ON THE WEBWHEREwere more bills tracked in the states by ASTA this year,spring and fall, ASTA engages in a targeted communi-but about a third of them involved treated seed, seedcations campaign to help remind industry and growers This piece has beentreatment materials or related activities. to follow all applicable laws and regulations around the condensed for print.This legislation was generally aimed at furthersafe planting, harvesting and disposal of treated seed.To find the full version,research studies, creation of regulatory oversightTo ensure continued access to these tools, as an please visit seedworld. committees, change in regulatory status of seedindustry and as growers, we all have a role to play. We com/seed-treatments- treatment materials, limitation of use, outright bansall must work togetherboth in terms of adhering to are-the-first-line-of- of treated seed and/or seed treatment materials orall stewardship guidelines and regulations and in com-defense. local rule expansion. Among the significant bills thatmunicating around the necessity and safety of these passed were a prohibition of outdoor neonicotinoidstools. SW 72/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2021'