The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion and the Minnesota Soybean Growers join commodity groups in reminding growers this spring to take special care to keep 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 and directly jeopardizes U.S. markets, both foreign and domestic.

The Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Grain Standards Act allows zero tolerance for treated seed occurring in grain. A poster warning your farmer customers of this zero tolerance policy is available here, courtesy of the Minnesota Grain and Feed Association

Maintaining the stellar U.S. reputation for appropriately managing all pesticides is one key element of providing customer satisfaction and official acceptance of exports. Few concerns can be as damaging to supplier reputation for quality and safety of agricultural products as the presence of seed treatment compounds in commodities intended for use in food and feed.

Growers with questions are encouraged to visit The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship, an industry-wide initiative to promote the safe handling and management of treated seed. Endorsed by the American Soybean Association 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.