ASTA Elects 2025-26 Officers 

Alexandria, VA—July 21, 2025— The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) elected its 2025-26 officers at the 2025 ASTA Leadership Summit, which took place in Washington, D.C. June 8-11, 2025. 

The 2025-26 officers, who began official duties on July 1, are:
Chair: Dave Treinen, Syngenta Seeds
First Vice Chair: Bryan Gerard, JoMar Seeds
Second Vice Chair: Crystal Rose Fricker, Pure Seed 

At the ASTA Leadership Summit, incoming Chair Dave Treinen thanked outgoing Chair Dan Foor for his leadership in the association. In his acceptance remarks, Treinen spoke about building on the momentum established by Foor this year to activate, engaging members to get involved with ASTA, while also adding their voice to the seed sector’s and agriculture community’s collective advocacy efforts. “Activation is not a one-time event – it’s an ongoing process,” said Treinen. 

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as ASTA Chair for 2025–26,” continued Treinen. “My time on the ASTA Board of Directors has been both educational and inspiring. It has expanded my perspective beyond field crops and connected me with truly exceptional people across the seed industry. ASTA plays a vital role in empowering seed companies to thrive—and to support our members as they continue delivering the high-quality seeds that fuel progress in agriculture.” 

Treinen also highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders. “I am here today because others advocated for me, and I want to pay that forward,” said Treinen. “The future of our industry depends on emerging leaders. My hope is we, as a collective, can find meaningful ways to support, engage, and celebrate their contributions.” 

Dave Treinen is currently the Head of GreenLeaf Genetics, a division of Syngenta. He and his team are dedicated to supporting independent seed companies across North America by providing access to unique and competitive corn, soybean, and wheat genetics and traits. With over 30 years of experience in the seed and agriculture industry, Dave has held leadership roles in sales, marketing, general management, and overall business strategy at American Cyanamid, Monsanto, DuPont/Pioneer, and Syngenta. He joined Syngenta in 2017 as Head of GreenLeaf Genetics and continues in that role today. Dave holds a B.S. in Agricultural Business with a minor in Agronomy from Iowa State University. He resides in Ankeny, Iowa, with his wife, Karen. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to two grandchildren. 

Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet.  Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield.  

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA is the leading voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. The association’s broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life. Visit www.betterseed.org to learn more.