American Seed Trade Association sponsors 'Storm the Hill' lobbying effort

"Storm the Hill" participants lobbied for a uniform national solution for labeling foods with GMOs. | File photo

On March 15, seed industry advocates from 18 states participated in the American Seed Trade Association's (ASTA) "Storm the Hill" as part of the Legislative Fly-In in Washington D.C.

“ASTA’s broad membership includes companies of all sizes, production types and varieties – from alfalfa to zucchini and everything in between,” ASTA President and CEO Andrew LaVigne said. “While our industry is diverse, we share the common goal of producing better seed for a better quality of life. From ratification of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, to GMO labeling and funding for critical research and conservation programs, Congress is debating serious issues that will impact the seed industry’s ability to continue improving seed in the years ahead. Seed is the foundation of life, and the decisions that Congress makes today will have an impact on almost every aspect of society in the future.”

"Storm the Hill" participants lobbied for a uniform national solution for labeling foods with GMOs and seeds with transgenic traits. A national law would prevent confusion between states on GMO labeling laws. 

They also called for Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership so that the U.S. can compete with the global trade market.