Ames, Iowa, USA
May 18, 2026
The latest episode of GermiNation, the podcast from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, explores how the newest Farm Bill could shape the future of the U.S. seed industry, from research funding and international trade to seed health and agricultural innovation.
Host Cindy Hicks sat down with Janae Brady, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association, to discuss the policy priorities currently under debate in Washington and why they matter to seed companies, researchers, growers and consumers alike.
Brady, who previously worked for Chairman Pat Roberts on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry during negotiations for the 2018 Farm Bill, offered listeners an inside look at how federal agricultural policy directly impacts the seed sector.
“The seed industry is such a critical part of the food and ag value chain and really is the foundation for protecting food security,” Brady said during the interview.
One major topic discussed was agricultural research funding. Brady noted that while many Farm Bill programs authorize critical research initiatives, continued appropriations are necessary to ensure those programs remain adequately funded.
“Research programs over really the last couple of decades have remained relatively flat,” Brady explained. “And in fact, as we've looked at some of the most recent appropriations cycles… we're actually starting to see some reductions in funding.”
According to Brady, ASTA continues to advocate aggressively for stronger federal investment in agricultural research and plant breeding programs.
The conversation also highlighted the Farm Bill’s influence on international seed trade. Brady explained that export-focused programs such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) play a critical role in helping U.S. seed companies expand globally.
“The seed industry relies heavily on these programs to support our efforts in encouraging the global movement of seed,” Brady said.
Seed health and agricultural biosecurity were another major focus of the discussion. Brady emphasized the importance of federal support for phytosanitary systems, seed testing and certification programs that help protect U.S. agriculture from emerging pests and diseases.
“These programs are the first step in protecting our ag and food supply,” Brady said. “Our ability to quickly test and detect plant pests or diseases plays a major role in our ag biosecurity.”
Looking beyond the current Farm Bill cycle, Brady said ASTA is also focused on the future of the National Plant Germplasm System, which she called one of the “crown jewels” of American agriculture. The system preserves and distributes critical plant genetic material used by breeders, researchers and seed companies.
“This is the system that collects and evaluates seeds and plants and conserves and distributes plant genetic material that's absolutely essential to our farmers, our plant breeders, our researchers and our companies,” Brady said.
Throughout the interview, Brady encouraged seed industry professionals and students to stay engaged in agricultural policy conversations and to participate in advocacy efforts that shape the industry's future.
The episode also previewed the upcoming 2026 ASTA Leadership Summit, scheduled for June 9–11 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
GermiNation is produced by the Iowa State University Seed Science Center and features conversations with scientists, policymakers, industry leaders and innovators working across the global seed sector.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/germination/id1829013958
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SS0ntK2Wb7pcfOwxI9GcA
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