Washington, DC
March 7,  2001

The American Seed Trade Association's (ASTA's) members are removing any corn seed that tests positive for the unintentional presence of StarLink(TM) (Cry9C protein) from their sales
inventories. ASTA applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) leadership in providing farmers and consumers with greater confidence about the integrity of the U.S. corn seed supply, and appreciates the opportunity to work with the department in ensuring this confidence. 

"Through our ongoing quality assurance measures, ASTA members continue to maintain a high level of varietal seed purity to meet the expectations of domestic and international customers and consumers," says ASTA Executive Vice President Dean Urmston. "The seed industry is doing everything possible to minimize the presence of Cry9C protein in future corn crops. This should give farmers added confidence about the corn seed they plant this year and beyond." 

ASTA's 250 member companies involved in corn seed production and distribution continue to test for the presence of Cry9C protein under quality standards meeting or exceeding those set forth by USDA in its corn seed testing and sampling recommendations. These companies already apply high quality assurance standards to all seed production and are taking the extra step to ensure that their corn seed tests negative for Cry9C protein. 

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Washington, DC, is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 900 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality
seed worldwide. 

ASTA news release
N3363