Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of over 700 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues related to the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. Membership ASTA’s membership roster includes active members that are directly involved in seed production or distribution and research and development; corresponding members that produce or distribute seed outside of North America; affiliate members that are related associations and agencies; reciprocal members; and associate members that provide products or services for the seed industry. Ninety-five percent of ASTA’s active members are small businesses that report annual sales of less than $15 million. Most active, affiliate, and associate members of ASTA are headquartered in North America, predominantly in the United States. ASTA values and promotes diversity of membership, in terms of company size, products and geographic area served. Each member company is given one vote, regardless of size. Initiatives Among ASTA’s many current initiatives to serve the seed industry are: The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship – In partnership with CropLife America, ASTA has developed a comprehensive guide for the safe handling and transport of treated seed to prevent potential risks to the environment. First the Seed Foundation (FTSF) — FTSF is a not-for-profit organization established in 2008 by ASTA to inform today’s consumers and tomorrow’s workforce about the importance of the seed industry. Its mission is to conduct education, outreach and communication on the value [of crops and food produced from seed. Seed Advocate – ASTA launched a national recruitment campaign to mobilize a grassroots force of seed industry activists, known as Seed Advocates, to promote seed-friendly legislation and regulation at the state and federal levels. Future Seed Executives (FuSE) — FuSE is an official Sub-Committee of the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) Management Skills Committee. Since its formal inception in 2004, the FuSE Initiative has focused on educating and supporting future seed industry executives, namely those with fewer than seven years of seed industry experience. Programs are designed as regional opportunities to expand learning, cultivate management skills, promote networking, and improve general understanding of the seed industry. In 2014, the ASTA attended a lobby meeting with the European Seed Association (ESA)