Navigating Change: How the Seed Industry is Responding to Federal Policy Changes

The Iowa State University’s (ISU) Free Seed Business Management Webinar Series (sponsored by the online Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business) kicked off today with an informative session titled “Navigating Change: How the Seed Industry is Responding to Federal Policy Changes.” Hosted at noon Central Time, the webinar featured Janae Brady and Samuel Crowell from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), who provided timely analysis of federal policies that are shaping the seed industry.

With new leadership in Washington, D.C., the policy landscape has again shifted —and the seed industry is feeling the impact. From evolving international trade agreements to new tariffs and regulatory hurdles, ASTA’s policy experts walked participants through the highlights of their work in communicating seed industry priorities to officials in Washington.

“It takes between five and fifteen years to release a new crop variety,” noted Crowell. “Delays in policy only slow innovation and farmers’ access to better seed.” He emphasized that outdated or unclear regulations can significantly hinder progress, especially when companies are investing heavily in innovative technologies like biotechnology and genome editing.

Crowell explained that policy developments aren’t just a background concern—changes are central to the success of the seed industry. He painted a complex picture of how seed moves across international borders for R&D and production; for example, noting that a single variety of tomato seed might cross as many as six or seven borders during the R&D pipeline before reaching a farmer. The logistical dance required to conduct seed research in different growing environments is often made more difficult by policy decisions that come swiftly and without exemption processes.

Another issue ASTA is closely watching is the reintroduction of tariffs through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which has been used by the current U.S. administration to quickly impose tariffs in recent months. Crowell outlined how this authority has been used to introduce a flat 10% tariff on imported seed from many countries. In the coming weeks, imports of seed may also be subject to higher tariffs; for example, imports of seed from China are now facing a 170% tariff. “The global trading space is becoming increasingly more complicated,” he shared.

Brady highlighted the administrative challenges that further complicate the landscape. Staffing shortages at key USDA agencies due to deferred resignations are adding delays to variety registration, germplasm requests, and other mission-critical services. “We’re seeing a significant impact across all USDA mission areas,” she said.  Brady also highlighted ASTA’s upcoming Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., as an opportunity for seed industry professionals to continue to engage.  Information about the Leadership Summit can be found here: https://asta.swoogo.com/ls25.

This first webinar and all others in the series will provide listeners with the most up to date information on what is happening in today’s seed industry. Please continue to join us every Wednesday in May at 12:00pm CSDT for the rest of the Seed Business Management webinar series.

Leading a Startup Seed Company
Wednesday, May 14 at 12:00 noon CSDT
Dr. Keri Carstens (Jord BioScience) & Diana Horvath (2Blades)
Hear firsthand what it takes to lead and scale innovative seed startups in today’s complex environment.

Regenerative Agriculture, Low Carbon Products & A Better Bean
Wednesday, May 21 at 12:00 noon CSDT
Scott Raubenstine (Perdue Farms) & Han Chen (ZeaKal)
Explore how regenerative ag and carbon-smart crops are reshaping sustainability—and why beans are leading the charge.

Ag Market Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
Wednesday, May 28 at 12:00 noon CSDT
Dr. Chad Hart, Iowa State University
Dive into the data with an ag economist’s look at inflation, trade, policy, and profit potential for the year ahead.

Registration is open now for all three events at:
https://www.seedgrad.iastate.edu/webinar-registration/

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay ahead. Join us Wednesdays at Noon CSDT.