The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service signs a memorandum of understanding with the American Seed Trade Association to promote better exchange of seed technology

Agri Marketing, May, 2004

The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) to promote better exchange of seed technology. "This partnership will ensure that quality native seed is available for future conservation efforts. Native seed supplies are essential and must be available for conservation program participants," Chief Bruce Knight said.

The NRCS Plant Materials Program selects plants that are important to conservation efforts and develops innovative planting technologies that make the plants more effective in solving conservation concerns. The program includes a network of 26 plant materials centers that work with commercial seed producers to make sure that high quality seed needed for conservation work is available.