Clovis seedsman named American Seed Trade Association chairman

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — American Seed Trade Association welcomes Blake Curtis of Curtis & Curtis, Inc., as its new chairman for the 2012/13 fiscal year.

The fourth generation New Mexico native was elected chairman during ASTA’s 129th Annual Convention in National Harbor, Md.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve in a leadership position for an organization that represents every facet of the seed industry,” said Curtis who will lead the more than 700 member-company organization.

During his year as chairman, Curtis said two things will be at the forefront. He plans to continue ASTA’s education efforts surrounding intellectual property rights and carrying out the actions steps to the strategic plan.

“It’s incredibly important to continue educating seed companies about the benefits and use of intellectual property rights, as well as helping farmers and ranchers recognize the advantages of those products.

“These efforts allow our scientific community to develop and use new traits, knowing they’re working in a framework that gives them the protections and opportunities to be successful.”

ASTA’s strategic plan was reviewed by the Board of Directors this past year.

“From the strategic plan, we learned about the importance of staying connected with all of the members,” Curtis said. “This isn’t only from a membership perspective and helping companies realize the value of their membership, but more so we can make sure our plan continues to reflect members’ needs and desires.

“If we can do this, we will continue to be a vital resource for members and the entire seed industry.”

Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and chief executive officer, said Curtis has been very politically active at the state level and serving his local community.

“Blake has an incredible grasp on the issues impacting the American seed industry,” LaVigne said. “We are extremely pleased that he brings a strong understanding of the complex issues and political atmosphere we face today.”

Curtis and his brother co-own Curtis & Curtis, Inc. (CCI), founded in 1956 by their parents to supply native grass seeds for a rapidly expanding market in the southwest. CCI’s major emphasis continues to be on native grass seeds and legumes for various applications such as seeding irrigated pastures, range reseeding, mine reclamation and reclamation seeding for highways, pipeline and highline right-of-ways. They also provide seed for golf courses, home lawns and industrial sites.

Curtis earned his BBA from Eastern New Mexico State University and has served in various local, state and national roles. He was a New Mexico state legislator from 1986 – 1995 where he was Minority Caucus Chair, Minority Whip and Minority Leader. Afterwards, he was appointed and served on the New Mexico Fair Commission for six years. In 2006, Curtis was selected as a member of the Board of Regents for New Mexico State University. During his tenure, he served as secretary, vice chair and chair. He is a past president of the New Mexico State Seed Association and currently serving under gubernatorial appointment as a Board Member of the New Mexico Finance Authority. For ASTA, he has served as Southern regional vice president, second vice chair, first vice chair and now chairman.

ASTA, one of the most established trade organizations in the United States, helps seed companies provide better seed for better crops for a better quality of life. Its mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy important to the industry.