Dr. Fan-Li Chou to Join ASTA Staff, Continue Association’s Global Leadership in Innovation

Dr. Fan-Li Chou to Join ASTA Staff, Continue Association’s Global Leadership in Innovation

Alexandria, VA—June 22, 2020—The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Fan-Li Chou as Vice President, Scientific Affairs and Policy. Building on the strong legacy of Dr. Bernice Slutsky – who is retiring after 15 years with ASTA – in this high-profile position, Dr. Chou will work closely with ASTA’s diverse membership, key government officials and stakeholders at the domestic and global level to ensure a strong future for innovation in plant breeding and plant sciences.

ASTA’s nearly 750 member companies represent world-class leaders in research, discovery, development, and commercialization of new varieties of plants – from alfalfa to zucchini and all forms of seed production from conventional to biotechnology to organic. Innovation is one of the association’s top strategic priorities.

“Plant breeding innovation is paramount to our global future – from providing more nutritious and sustainable food, feed, fiber, and fuel, to addressing global challenges like food security and our changing climate,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “Dr. Chou’s extensive expertise and depth of experience in plant breeding policy-development and stakeholder outreach will be a tremendous asset in advancing ASTA’s goals around innovation. We are thrilled to have her join the team.”

Dr. Chou currently serves at the Agricultural Biotechnology Advisor to the Secretary at the US Department of Agriculture and has held a number of different positions within the Department. She is an accomplished policy and program leader, with over a decade of experience in agricultural biotechnology regulations and trade matters. She received her undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Penn State University and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Chou is an alumna of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology Policy Fellowships.

She will officially begin her new role with ASTA on August 10.

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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.