Seed Testing and Seed Technology Services
DHS/CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Guidance
ASTA has announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cyber Security & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has updated its guidance on essential workers. In a change from the previous version, the new DHS/CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Guidance 2.0 explicitly includes seed within the list of essential workers. News Page (3/30/2020)
Seed and Grain Testing Under the Stay at Home Order
The laboratories of the Illinois Crop Improvement Association remain operational. Seed testing will continue for seed companies, regulators and farmers. Access to our facilities is limited. Most samples arrive by FedEx, UPS, USPS or drop-off. If you are unfamiliar with our drop off procedures or have a large number of samples for drop-off please call 217-359-4053 for more information. We ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to operate under the Agriculture exemption of Governor Pritzker's Stay at Home Order.
We understand that without laboratory services seed cannot be accurately labeled for sale. We understand that without trait testing the purity of herbicide-tolerant varieties and insect-resistant hybrids cannot be determined. We understand that without mycotoxin and composition tests the quality and safety factors important to commodity and specialty grains cannot be determined. We will continue to operate at the highest level of quality with a level of customer service consummate with the situation. We ask that you communicate your projected sample volume and testing priorities.
Please appreciate the fact that our employees are willing to serve as an essential part of agriculture during this difficult time. They are somewhat removed from the farming community by the seed companies and grain companies they provide services for. They are dedicated to the certification and quality-systems they support. We ask that you allow them to focus on testing by continuing to provide good samples and accurate information including electronic submission lists. (3/21/2020)
