The Agricultural Technical Services Administration (ASTA) is a subordinate authority within the portfolio of the MAAV and responsible for risk assessments and implementation of state inspections plant protection products, the EU quality labels PDO, PGI and TSG, organic farming and marketing standards. The ASTA is the regulatory authority for the approval of plant protection products. The ASTA is responsible for certain aspects in primary production controls and the import of plants. Policy and management measures of the ministry regarding the safety of the food chain are based on risk assessments prepared by ASTA (and ALVA).

ASTA is active in several EFSA scientific networks and also Management Board and Advisory Forum. ASTA provides the Chief Plant Health Officer.