Farmers often focus on weather, markets, and equipment, but every season truly begins long before planting—with the seed itself. That foundational role is exactly what leaders in the seed industry say deserves more attention as innovation, regulation, and global trade continue to shape the future of agriculture.
A Legacy Rooted in Innovation
Speaking with Oklahoma Farm Report’s Maci Carter at Washington Watch in Washington, D.C., Andy LaVigne of the American Seed Trade Association highlighted the organization’s long-standing mission and its continued relevance today.
The American Seed Trade Association is a very old association. We were founded in 1883, and our goal… was to provide high-quality genetics for America’s farmers. That’s still our goal today. ”
LaVigne explained that the association represents a wide range of crops and production systems. “We represent anything planted by seed, so from alfalfa to zucchini… organic, conventional, and biotech. But it’s all about the seed, high-quality seed and plant breeding.”
That diversity underscores just how deeply seed touches every part of agriculture—from row crops to specialty crops and beyond.
The Starting Point of the Food System
While seed may seem like a small input compared to others, LaVigne emphasized that it is, quite literally, where everything begins.
“If you think about it, nobody eats unless you put a seed in the ground… it really is the start of everything. If we don’t plant a seed, we don’t eat.”
He added that seed plays a role far beyond food production alone. “Seed is absolutely essential for every part of that food system, as well as food, fuel, and clothing.” From livestock feed to fiber crops and renewable fuels, the ripple effect of seed innovation extends across the entire economy.
Rapid Advances in Seed Technology
The pace of innovation in plant breeding is accelerating, and LaVigne says the industry is learning more about genetics at an unprecedented rate.
“We call it the Moore’s Law of genetics, we’re increasing or doubling our understanding of the genetic code almost on a five to seven year basis.”
Those advancements are translating into real-world improvements for farmers.
“You’re seeing a lot of things that deal with better flavor, better oil quality, improved disease and pest resistance, and it’s not just happening in corn and beans, it’s happening in fruits and vegetables, cover crops, conservation crops, and others.”
This broad-based innovation is opening new opportunities across the agricultural landscape, not just in traditional commodity crops.
Regulatory and Trade Challenges
Despite rapid progress, LaVigne pointed to regulatory uncertainty and trade barriers as ongoing concerns for the industry.
“The regulatory burdens continue to slow down… the uncertainty on breeding methods is key. How are gene edited products going to be treated in the marketplace?”
He also noted the lengthy timeline for bringing new technologies to market. “We still have eight to 10 years to bring a new product to market, which is just crazy and that impacts the farmer’s ability to access new technology.”
Trade adds another layer of complexity.
“Every time we move seed, even if it’s research seed, we’re paying a tariff, and that impacts the cost that ultimately goes on to the farmer.”
Because seed production often relies on multiple growing cycles across different regions, the ability to move seed internationally is critical for research, development, and supply.
What Farmers Should Watch
Looking ahead, LaVigne encouraged farmers to stay informed about emerging tools and technologies that can improve efficiency and resilience.
“Seed treatment is a fascinating place. You’ve got it right on the seed automatically. That’s one less pass before you plant.”
He also pointed to new crop traits and market opportunities.
“We see short-stature corn… improved oil qualities… new varieties coming out… and those new markets for our customers mean new markets for the seed.”
With tighter planting windows and evolving weather patterns, tools that help farmers act quickly and efficiently are becoming increasingly valuable.
