Pacific Seed Association

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

For nearly 100 years, the Pacific Seed Association has helped connect the western seed industry through networking, education, and trusted resources like our annual Membership Directory.

By advertising in the 2026 PSA Membership Directory, you not only promote your business—you also demonstrate your support for PSA’s mission to uphold integrity, cooperation, and professionalism in the seed trade.

If your company serves seed growers, processors, distributors, or allied ag businesses, this is a powerful way to:

Get your brand in front of key decision-makers.
Show your commitment to the industry.
Be visible every time a member reaches for the directory.

Review ad options and submit your contract using the 2026 Directory Ad Sheet and Contract, and let’s make sure your business is in this year’s directory.

https://mcusercontent.com/41fd1f558a0b3c44fa45687ef/files/2ed724e3-9f19-8280-3bb0-1785ee17166f/Directory_Ad_Sheet_and_Contract_2026.pdf

06/04/2026

Tariffs on Farm Equipment Cut

The Trump administration has announced it will lower U.S. tariffs on farm machinery like tractors, combines, harvesters, and other equipment, and offer reduced duty rates to foreign manufacturers that build with American steel and aluminum. Tariffs on many types of farm and construction equipment will drop from 25% to 15%, with a potential 10% rate when at least 85% of the metal is sourced in the U.S., aiming to reduce machinery costs for farmers while encouraging investment in domestic manufacturing.

For PSA members, lower equipment tariffs could help offset some of the higher input, financing, and logistics costs we’ve seen across the seed and broader ag sector. We’ll be watching how this change filters through dealer pricing, availability, and capital investment decisions over the next several seasons.

Read Agri-Pulse’s full coverage here: https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24763-trump-administration-to-reduce-tariffs-on-farm-machinery.

06/03/2026

USDA Specialty Crop Aid Now Open

USDA has officially opened enrollment for its new Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program, offering an estimated $1.625 billion in support to eligible specialty crop producers facing elevated input costs and trade-related market disruptions. Payments are based on 2025 planted acres and will be issued as applications are approved, starting as early as the first week of sign-up.

Key details for growers:
-Enrollment window runs through August 7, 2026.
-Pre-filled applications are available online for producers with a Login.gov account who timely filed their 2025 acreage report.
-Payment rates are tiered by crop revenue, from $25/acre for beans and peas up to $650/acre for the highest-revenue specialty crops.
-Payments are capped at $250,000 per producer or legal entity.

PSA encourages our specialty crop and seed-growing members to review their eligibility and connect with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office soon so they don’t miss this window.

Read Capital Press’s coverage of the announcement here: https://capitalpress.com/2026/06/02/usda-announces-enrollment-and-payment-details-for-specialty-crop-aid/and

Get full program details at USDA’s ASCF page: fsa.usda.gov/ascf.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

06/02/2026

Temporary Trucking Waiver Eases Fertilizer Delivery Across The PNW

05/29/2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how the seed industry generates insights, communicates findings, and makes data-driven decisions — and this upcoming session at ASTA’s 2026 Leadership Summit will show what that looks like in practice.

From plant breeding and trait discovery to pathology and seed quality, a diverse panel of industry experts will share how they are already using AI tools to speed up research, sharpen decisions, and get more value from existing datasets. Attendees will come away with concrete examples of how AI can shorten R&D cycles, improve decision-making when faced with uncertainty, strengthen cross-team collaboration, and unlock new insights without starting from scratch.

“From Data to Discovery: How AI Is Transforming Seed Industry Research” will take place during ASTA’s 2026 Leadership Summit, June 9–11 in Milwaukee, WI. This session is just one of many reasons to join seed professionals from across the country as they focus on leadership, innovation, and the future of our industry.

Space is limited — secure your spot at ASTA’s 2026 Leadership Summit and this AI-focused session by registering today.

https://asta.swoogo.com/ls26

05/28/2026

Thanks to Waikiki Sailing Company (waikikisailing.com) for hosting PSA’s Turtle Snorkel & Sail on February 10, 2026 — an unforgettable Waikiki afternoon with turtles, sunshine, and great company.

Book a sailing adventure today with Hawea Catamaran in Waikiki. Bring aboard the drinks of your choice and enjoy a cruise on the beautiful waters of Waikiki.

05/27/2026

Thousands of dollars in fines, stop-sales, shipment delays, and lost customer trust can all start with one incorrect seed label. Make sure you’re labeling correctly. Check out the Seed Labeling Database today. https://oregonseed.org/osa-seed-labeling-database/

05/27/2026

The Pacific Seed Association congratulates our partner, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), on a major win for the U.S. corn seed industry and global seed trade. After nearly three years of collaboration and advocacy with USDA and seed associations in both countries, ASTA has secured a science-based agreement that keeps corn seed moving between the U.S. and Chile—one of our industry’s most important counter-seasonal production partners.

The new arrangement removes all 16 proposed phytosanitary requirements for research and development seed, delays implementation of new rules from May 2024 to December 2026, eliminates half of the pest restrictions for seed multiplication, removes germination, purity, and varietal requirements, protects existing seed stocks, and lifts added requirements on seed lots re-exported through a transit country. In 2024 alone, the U.S. exported $1.8 million in field corn seed to Chile and imported nearly $45 million back—fueling continuous innovation and supply for farmers and seed companies.

Wins like this underscore the value of strong, coordinated advocacy across our partner associations and government agencies, delivering tangible benefits for seed producers across the Pacific region.

05/26/2026

Huge thank you to the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa team for hosting PSA’s 100th Annual Convention in Honolulu.

Our members loved the ocean-view pools, spacious rooftop terrace, and on-site restaurants and bars—perfect spots to recharge, connect, and take in those Waikiki sunsets between sessions.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlmc-waikiki-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/overview/