The American Seed Trade Association disputes claims by the Center for Food Safety that neonicotinoid seed treatments are destroying the pollinator population and harming the environment. ASTA CEO Andy Lavigne says research studies back their position.

He says seed treatments are important to grain producers and promote strong emergence and a healthy plant stand in cropping systems.

Lavigne says ASTA is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to use sound science to determine the future of neonicotinoids.

The Center for Food Safety recently filed a lawsuit against EPA for failure to regulate seed treatments, including neotics.