Our Mission
“The purpose for which this organization is formed shall be the development of friendly business relations between its members, the promotion of the legitimate interest of its members within this state, cooperation with educational and regulatory authorities and other interested agencies in the development of a sound effective seed program in the interest of agriculture.”
The purpose of the Montana Seed Trade Association (MSTA) is to provide a forum of discussion for the trade of seed within its membership and beyond. While this sentence may sound clear, the words seed and trade are complicated and multifaceted.
Montanans know the value of agriculture to this state and their livelihood. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the fundamental starting point, for agriculture, for reclamation needs, and revegetation purposes beyond classic agriculture, is seed. It ALL starts with seed. The incredible genetic potential within every seed is remarkable, and all we must do is ensure it gets into the right hands, at the correct time, for the intended purposes.
In a perfect world, a seed producer would be able to grow, process, and market the entire production to a captive customer base. The reality is that our membership needs to market what they grow and produce to other seed houses so that we can support a wide and diverse customer base, within Montana, and far beyond its borders. Some of our membership markets almost entirely to end consumers (i.e. farmers). Some members wholesale by truckload basis to others who market to end consumers. Others market seed blends that may have dozens of different species, all from different sources. Trade is essential to meet the needs of our customers. And, while our membership is at times fierce competitors with each other, we need the opportunity to conduct business within our group and share ideas to meet our changing demands.
The association would not be complete without the supporting industries to the core membership. This includes companies such as plant genetic providers, research and extension agencies, seed processing and equipment suppliers, pesticide protection businesses, and like-minded individuals from out of state.
The Montana Seed Trade Association is a very diverse group, but all are proud of the role we serve in feeding the world and nourishing the earth.