The Illinois Seed Trade Association (ISTA) is a non-profit organization that forms a state-wide network of top seed industry experts in the areas of research, marketing, sales, management, production, etc. ISTA is a member of C-FAR and has two members participating in the working groups.

One of ISTA's objectives is to aid, advise and assist in the establishment or enactment of equitable laws, rules and regulations for the transaction of business in the seed industry. ISTA also maintains a seed analyst liaison committee which promotes uniform seed testing and analysis procedures in Illinois.

ISTA cooperates with educational and regulatory authorities and other interested agencies to develop sound and effective seed programs to advance agriculture. Two scholarships are presented to University of Illinois students each year who are pursuing careers in crop sciences.

A bi-monthly newsletter, "Illinois Seed News" is issued in cooperation with Illinois Crop Improvement Association. The newsletter gives important meeting dates, reports of latest research and news and legislative information of direct nterest to the Illinois seed industry.