It’s planting season and the American Soybean Association (ASA) is reminding growers to take special care to prevent treated seeds from entering the supply of U.S. grains and oilseeds.

Treated seeds in commodity shipments are a multi-commodity problem that warrants the attention of the entire supply chain. Maintaining the stellar U.S. reputation for appropriately managing all pesticides is one key element of providing for customer satisfaction and official acceptance of exports. Few concerns can be as damaging to supplier reputation for quality and safety of agricultural products as one over the presence of seed treatment compounds in commodities intended for use in food and feed.

Because U.S. farmer compliance is critical to avoid disruption of U.S. soybean exports to overseas markets, disposal recommendations were included in the ‘Treated Seed Disposal’ section of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship website of the Center for Integrated Pest Management,” which can be viewed here.

Earlier this year, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and CropLife America released The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship, an industry-wide initiative to promote the safe handling and management of treated seed. The guide is divided into seven sections including information on storing, labeling, planting and more.

Endorsed by ASA and other ag groups, the guide provides farmers and seed companies with critical information and up-to-date guidelines for managing treated seed effectively to further minimize the risk of exposure to non-target organisms.