Syngenta Thrive - 4Q/2013 - 11

the decision on what seed-applied technologies—seed treatment
products, coating materials, micronutrients and other additives—to
select is based on a number of factors, including recommendations
from the seed company, county extension agents, planting equipment manufacturers and other trusted advisors.
Q. What best practices should users follow when handling and
transporting treated seeds?
A. Treatment product labels include detailed instructions and
requirements for the safe use of seed treatment products. Seed
tags on the packaged, treated seed contain instructions on safely
handling and transporting treated seed. Regulations require proper
training for individuals applying seed treatments, and it’s recommended for those who handle and transport treated seed. The
training not only helps reduce the risk of exposure to non-target
organisms, but also helps maintain the integrity and performance
of the treated seed.
Q. Are there speciﬁc guidelines on storage and disposal
of treated seed?
A. Growers and applicators can ﬁnd speciﬁc instructions
for the proper storage of seed treatment products and
treated seeds on pesticide labels and treated seed tags.
However, they can ﬁnd general storage guidelines—
including the use of secure, weather-proof and wellventilated facilities that are inaccessible to children,
livestock and wildlife—in The Guide to Seed Treatment
Stewardship. This document also includes safe
options for the disposal of leftover seed.
Q. Do you think seed treatment
stewardship will continue to
be a top priority for the U.S.
seed industry?
A. Absolutely, yes. There’s no
question that today’s seed treatments are helping America’s
growers achieve greater yields,
healthier crops and higher
revenues. At the same time,
seed treatment technology is
reducing potential risks to the
environment. But as with
farming, there’s a science to
using treated seed successfully in a way that maintains
the delicate balance of nature.
Implementing good stewardship practices is one of the key
ways we can ensure this balance—
now and in the future.
INTERVIEW BY SUSAN FISHER

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

The ABCs of
Seed Treatment
The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship
is the ﬁrst comprehensive reference that
provides growers and seed companies
with the latest information on managing
treated seeds effectively to minimize
the risk of exposure to non-target
organisms, including humans. Jointly
produced by the American Seed Trade
Association (ASTA) and CropLife America
(CLA), the guide has received endorsements from the National Corn Growers
Association, the American Farm Bureau
Federation, the American Soybean
Association and the Agricultural
Retailers Association. As seed treatment
technology advances and the needs of
the crop production value chain evolve,
ASTA and CLA will update the guide to
make sure the industry has access
to the most current information.

ANDREW LAVIGNE
CEO/President
ASTA

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Syngenta Thrive - 4Q/2013

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