ASTA Members Advocating For The Seed Industry During Policy & Leadership Development Conference In Washington, DC

ASTA Chair John Latham speaks Monday during the opening session of the PLDC in Washington, DC, which was live-streamed for virtual attendees. (ASTA photo)

Washington, DC (June 21, 2021) – The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) this week is holding its first conference with in-person attendees since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year.

The opening session of ASTA’s Policy & Leadership Development Conference (PLDC) was held Monday with participants both in Washington, DC and virtually.

Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who previously was a keynote speaker at an ASTA conference in 2015, says he is looking forward to growing the agency’s relationship with ASTA.

“The seed industry is one of the most important sectors of agriculture,” Vilsack says.

He says the USDA plans to continue collaborating with ASTA, while emphasizing science-based rule making. Ag tech and innovation will be key in doing so, Vilsack adds.

Osama El-Lissy

Osama El-Lissy, Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) for USDA-APHIS, later in the day during the "Phytosanitary Outlook: Seed Health Testing and its Impact" session shared a similar message about working together with the seed industry.

"We are committed to working with you the seed industry and ASTA to advance priorities not only in the United States but around the world," El-Lissy says. "We have been working and providing support to the best of our ability despite the pandemic. This is a time to continue to work together more than ever."

El-Lissy adds APHIS is committed to addressing how best to use technology in support of a healthy industry. It is committed to finding the best way to move forward, he notes.

Advocates For The Seed Industry

Pat Roberts

Former U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, says it’s as important as ever for lawmakers and their staff to hear from those involved in the seed industry.

As part of the conference, ASTA is helping to organize meetings between attendees and Congressional offices. Unlike in years past, many of those meetings will be taking place virtually, but some will happen in person, says Janae Brady, ASTA senior director of government affairs.

“Advocacy might look different, but it is just as important as always,” Roberts says. “We need to have a strong and continued presence in Washington. Your voice matters. It can have a positive impact.”

Ag research and innovation are at the top of the list of priorities for agricultural-related policy, Roberts says.

State of the Industry

John Latham

ASTA Chair John Latham says the past year has been different than he ever could have imagined. It is fitting, he says, that ASTA’s first meeting with in-person attendees since the pandemic started is taking place in Washington, where so much has happened and is happening to help shape the future of the industry.

“We need to take this time to reestablish relationships within the seed industry,” Latham says. “It’s so important to reconnect now and in the year ahead.”

Latham says the industry has risen to the challenges presented during the past year and he remains confident it will continue “to meet whatever challenges come our way.”

Annual Meeting and Awards

Chet Boruff

During the meeting, ASTA recognized AOSCA CEO Chet Boruff with the Distinguished Service Award. Boruff says the award means a great deal to him after spending his career working in the seed industry.

Boruff notes that during his 17 years at AOSCA and throughout his career, he has seen the commitment of seed companies to doing things right.

During the opening session, ASTA elected its leadership for next year, which includes:

  • Chair: Brad May, BASF
  • First Vice Chair: Jim Schweigert, Gro Alliance
  • Second Vice Chair: Dave Armstrong, Sakata Seed

Brad May

Jim Schweigert

Dave Armstrong

The PLDC continues with informational sessions Tuesday and advocacy appointments scheduled for Wednesday. For more information, go to ASTA’s website.

Looking to the Future

Incoming Chair Brad May delivers remarks June 23 during ASTA's Annual Meeting. (ASTA photo)

May, who delivered remarks as the Annual Meeting continued Wednesday, says he is looking forward to what lies ahead "post-pandemic."

"It's good to be slowly but surely getting back to normal," May says. "We’re all looking forward to putting this chapter behind us. As we move forward into this new year, it is my goal to ensure we prepare for the seed industry as a key part of the American agricultural community and as an association continue to represent the interests and issues of our members."

May says the industry "has proven time and again, especially in this past year, how resilient and essential we are. As we get ready to hopefully put this pandemic behind us for good, we know new challenges lie ahead. Just as we always have, we will step up together to face them head on and lead as an industry and association. With these challenges that will certainly come our way, we also know there lie tremendous opportunities. Our industry continues to innovate and find new, better ways of solving challenges for farmers and consumers and for the environment. As discussions continue around sustainability, domestically and internationally, we know we have a critical, compelling role to play."

May encourages ASTA members and all those involved in the agriculture industry to tell their story and let their views be known about important policy issues, both on the state and federal level, with more at stake than ever before.

"Our story is strong, and it is compelling," May says. "We need to get out and tell it often. We are more impactful when we speak with a strong, unified voice."

Written by Chris Lusvardi, Seed Today editor


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ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne, left, and Chair John Latham, right, on stage Monday during the opening session of the PLDC in Washington, DC. (ASTA photo)