Committees and Working Groups
To apply for membership on a committee or working group, ASTA members may submit this form.
ASTA members determine the future of the seed industry through active participation. Our success depends on your involvement. Grassroots efforts, quality discussions on policy issues, strategic goals and actions are the cornerstone to ASTA’s ability to advocate for the industry.
Below are ASTA committees, subcommittees and task forces. Please read through and determine which one(s) would be most beneficial for you to participate in, because when you benefit, the industry benefits.
Committees:
Communications Committee
Environment & Conservation Committee
Innovation & Policy Committee
International Committee
Leadership, Education and Development Committee
Legal Advisory Committee
Legislative Committee
Meetings Committee
Membership Committee
Organic Seed Committee
Phytosanitary Committee
Seed Industry Relations Committee
Sustainability Committee
Treated Seed Committee
Subcommittees:
Associates/Exhibitors Planning Subcommittee
Emerging Diseases Subcommittee
Field Crop Seed Convention Planning Subcommittee
Field Crops Emerging Issues Subcommittee
Food Safety Pathogens Subcommittee
Forage, Turf & Conservation Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee
Intellectual Property Rights Subcommittee
Leadership Summit Planning Subcommittee
Plant Breeding Innovation Subcommittee
Potato Seed Subcommittee
Treated Seed Federal Policy Subcommittee
Treated Seed International Policy Subcommittee
Treated Seed New Technologies Subcommittee
Treated Seed State Policy Subcommittee
Treated Seed Lifecycle Management Subcommittee
Vegetable & Flower Emerging Issues Subcommittee
Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee
Vegetable & Flower Seed Technical Subcommittee
Visionary Subcommittee
Women in Seed Subcommittee
Task Forces:
Cover Crop Task Force
Country Working Groups
Communications Committee:This committee supports both ASTA specific and industrywide initiatives. These efforts include, but are not limited to: coordinating industry messaging (as appropriate) to support advocacy goals and to drive public opinion; participating in the development and implementation of ASTA’s comprehensive communications plan; helping generate and respond to media coverage; amplifying ASTA social media content; apprising each other of emerging issues and media interests; sharing communications research & resources; and supporting industry communications efforts including Better Seed, Better Life public-facing initiatives, the Seed Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT), the Seed Treatment Stewardship Guide, student engagement activities, and more. Contact: Katrina Bishop at kbishop@betterseed.org.
Environment & Conservation Seed Committee:This committee represents the interests of ASTA members who provide quality seed for land restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation. A primary focus of the committee is to promote native seeds, introduced and released plant materials in projects on private and public lands. A basis for all aspects of the committee is the need for sound, science-based principles, and efficiency in government programs. This committee oversees the Cover Crops Task Force. Contact Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org and Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org.
Innovation & Policy Committee: This committee covers policy and regulatory issues in the areas of new plant breeding, seed applied innovations and research, and intellectual property rights. The focus is on policy and regulatory issues that have an impact across the seed industry. Examples of topics addressed by the committee are domestic and intellectual regulatory policies for seed products developed through innovative breeding technologies, issues related to intellectual property protection, and U.S. policies related to breeding and seed research. Advocacy and development of ASTA positions are initially developed through smaller groups, such as ad hoc topic specific and standing working groups, as well as subcommittees that report to the committee; for example, the Plant Breeding Innovation Subcommittee, the Intellectual Property Rights subcommittee, and the Molecular Markers Working Group. Contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
International Committee (By Invitation):This committee plays a vital role in developing ASTA’s global agricultural policy positions and international programs. The International Committee is comprised of the chairs of the Intellectual Property Rights, Plant Breeding Innovation, and Phytosanitary committees; ASTA’s representatives to the International Seed Federation (ISF) and other regional and international organizations; and the chairs of ASTA’s Country Working Groups. The International Committee sets global and country priorities, develops strategies for ASTA representatives to ISF, and designates priorities and activities conducted under USDA Cooperator Programs, including: the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, Market Access Program (MAP), and the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program. Finally, the International Committee provides guidance and participates in ASTA’s priority Country Working Groups, and advocates with government officials and stakeholders on the value of addressing global seed issues. Contact: Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
Leadership, Education & Development Committee:This committee is responsible for providing ASTA members with opportunities to expand their knowledge and gain experience in skills necessary to sustain and grow a career in the seed industry. This is delivered via distance learning, on-site tours of ASTA member companies and in-person at ASTA meetings. The committee is focused on building leadership skills by involving those new to the industry up to those that are advanced in their careers. Contact Kaity Crawford at kcrawford@betterseed.org.
Legal Committee: This committee examines legal issues on an as needed basis and provides direction to the association on a broad range of topics. The committee will assist the organization in gaining new insights and solving business challenges. This committee is comprised of legal professionals within the seed industry and requires a solid grasp of the law and how it translates and affects seed industry issues. Contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org and Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org.
Legislative Committee: This committee is responsible for keeping interested members apprised of federal and state legislative happenings. The function of this group is to share policy activity relevant to the seed industry, and keep members apprised of potential impacts from policy discussions in state legislatures, as well as Capitol Hill. Primary to ASTA’s legislative agenda is to ensure that state and federal policies relating to the seed industry remain consistent and practical. Contact Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org and Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org.
Meetings Committee: This committee monitors, evaluates, and seeks to enhance ASTA meetings to maintain and increase the value of ASTA events for its members and grow participation and engagement in those events. Contact Ann Jorss at ajorss@betterseed.org.
Membership Committee: This committee is responsible for all policy issues related to membership and for making recommendations to the Board on categories of membership, dues levels, member services and approval of new members. The committee meets in-person twice a year during the Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference and the Leadership Summit. The Membership Committee is closed to members unless they are in the following leadership positions: Regional Vice President, ASTA Officers, three most recent Past Chairs, and ASTA General Counsel. Contact Ann Jorss at ajorss@betterseed.org.
Organic Seed Committee: This committee works to resolve technical issues relevant to organic seed production, treatment, use and marketing. Open to all ASTA members interested in the development of the organic seed industry, the committee formulates policy recommendations to be submitted to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and National Organic Standards Board. The committee supports the organic seed industry for all commodities and interfaces with the USDA-NOP and the National Organic Standards Board. Contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org and Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
Phytosanitary Committee: This committee focuses on the phytosanitary aspects of global seed movement. It maintains a close relationship with USDA’s APHIS and foreign government plant quarantine bodies including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), and other regional organizations, including national and regional seed associations. Through this network, the committee monitors plant quarantine developments that might affect the movement of seed around the globe. Contact Martha Malapi at mmalapi@betterseed.org.
Seed Industry Relations Committee: This committee serves as the ASTA liaison with related industry associations by fostering communication and cooperation on issues of mutual concern. The committee keeps abreast of domestic and international developments in seed testing methods, regulations, and policy. Contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org.
Sustainability Committee: This committee represents a diverse cross-section of ASTA membership and provides input to the activities surrounding implementation of ASTA’s strategic plan pillar on sustainability. The committee focuses on amplifying seed sector engagement on sustainability to policy makers and the value chain at the state, federal and international levels. Contact Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org and Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org.
Treated Seed Committee: This committee serves as a source of information to the industry on issues relating to the regulation and labeling of seed treated with pesticides and biologicals, as well as how treatments relate to the environment, health, safety and well-being of employees and consumers. The committee promotes product stewardship, uniformity in labeling, and provides advice to ASTA on issues regarding the safety of the seed industry’s workers, and environmental implications of laws or regulations as they relate to the seed industry. A biologicals working group has been created under this committee to address specific issues for that subset of products. Contact Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org and Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org.
Associates/Exhibitors Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for evaluating ASTA’s conference-related exhibit programs, providing input, and working to maximize value for all ASTA Associate Member companies. Any ASTA Associate Member company is considered a member of this committee and can take part, particularly those who exhibit at ASTA events. Contact Ann Jorss at ajorss@betterseed.org.
Emerging Diseases Subcommittee: A subcommittee focus on emerging diseases of concern by providing in-depth analysis of target diseases, recommending research, coordinating with research scientists in the seed industry and public research institutions, and developing communication mechanisms to aid the seed industry in prevention and responses to seed diseases. Contact Martha Malapi at mmalapi@betterseed.org.
Field Crop Seed Convention Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for the Field Crop Seed Convention (FCSC) programming. Contact Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org and Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org.
Field Crops Emerging Issues Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the Innovation & Policy Committee, is designed to handle the issues that face the corn, sorghum, and soybean seed companies. The group will delve into ongoing issues and identify issues on the horizon. Contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
Food Safety Pathogens Subcommittee: This subcommittee develops and maintains a database of research findings on food safety pathogens concerning the seed industry. In addition, the group periodically reviews and proposes changes or amendments to the ASTA statement on testing seed for human pathogens. Members also monitor food safety incidents for potential impacts on the seed industry. Contact Martha Malapi at mmalapi@betterseed.org.
Forage, Turf & Conservation Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for the Forage, Turf & Conservation Seed Conference programming. Contact Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org.
Intellectual Property Rights Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the Innovation & Policy Committee, develops and recommends policy positions on matters related to intellectual property protection at the domestic and international levels. The subcommittee works with the U.S. Plant Variety Protection Office, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other parties regarding rules and procedures related to the administration of the U.S. Plant Variety Protection and Patent Acts. At a global level, the subcommittee also advises ASTA representatives to the International Seed Federation’s (ISF) Intellectual Property Coordination Group, as well as the International Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), and International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org and Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
Leadership Summit Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for ASTA Leadership Summit program content and session programming. Contact Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org and Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org.
Plant Breeding Innovation Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the Innovation and Policy Committee, develops and implements strategic approaches to advocate for domestic and international environment that facilitates the development and implementation of innovation in breeding of seed crops and in seed associated products. The subcommittee develops and recommends positions related to regulatory and policy issues for seed products developed through innovative breeding technologies. The subcommittee meets monthly. Contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
Potato Seed Subcommittee: This sub-committee supports members’ efforts in the use of true potato seed. Contact Martha Malapi at mmalapi@betterseed.org.
Treated Seed Federal Policy Subcommittee: This subcommittee addresses and comments, as necessary, on regulations and legislation within the U.S. Federal Government. Although primarily focused on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it has the resources and capabilities to impact all level of government and agencies. Contact Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org.
Treated Seed International Policy Subcommittee: This subcommittee monitors, reports and shares international activities that could affect treated seed markets and regulations collectively. Contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org.
Treated Seed New Technologies Subcommittee: This subcommittee collects and distributes updates to assist with the activities of the other treated seed subcommittees. Contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org.
Treated Seed State Policy Subcommittee: This subcommittee monitors and affects state regulatory and legislative activity; as well as develops and maintains state relationships and partnerships. Contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org.
Treated Seed Lifecycle Management Subcommittee: This subcommittee monitors and impacts local, state, and national regulations pertaining to non-viable treated seed to ensure they are viable and effective. Contact Jordan Gregory at jgregory@betterseed.org.
Vegetable & Flower Emerging Issues Subcommittee: This subcommittee identifies emerging issues to the vegetable and flower sector to ensure these issues are being addressed in the appropriate ASTA committees or task forces. The subcommittee reports to the V&F Division. Contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for the Vegetable & Flower Seed session programming. Contact Fan-Li Chou at flchou@betterseed.org.
Vegetable & Flower Seed Technical Subcommittee: A subcommittee of the Phytosanitary Committee, this subcommittee focuses on phytosanitary issues of concern to the vegetable and flower industries. Comprised primarily of plant pathologists, seed scientists, and lab technicians from vegetable and flower seed companies, the Veg Tech Committee addresses technical issues concerning pests and pathogens of concern. Contact Martha Malapi at mmalapi@betterseed.org.
Visionary Subcommittee: This subcommittee of the Membership Committee evaluates the long-term financial sustainability of ASTA and provides information to the Board of Directors through the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee will provide support and use the Visionary Committee’s input when completing their functions. The Chief Operating Officer will lead this committee and members shall include the Officers of the Board and selected leaders from the ASTA membership. Contact Ann Jorss at ajorss@betterseed.org.
Women in Seed Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the Leadership, Education, and Development Committee is responsible for the strategy, design, and execution of Women in Seed events at ASTA conferences throughout the year. Contact Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org.
Cover Crop Task Force: This task force, operating under the Environment & Conservation Committee, discusses Federal, state and privately funded programs for cover crops. Agronomic and other research on cover crops is shared as well as supported by the working group. Contact Payton Englert at penglert@betterseed.org and Janae Brady at jbrady@betterseed.org.
Country Working Groups: These groups, operating under the International Committee, provide the opportunity for ASTA members, staff, and regional contacts in each country to discuss specific issues, identify international program goals, and implement activities specific to several of ASTA’s priority markets, including: Africa; China; India; Peru-Chile; and the Seed Association of the Americas (SAA). The groups meet via conference call throughout the year. More broadly, ASTA also engages in other countries and regions through the International Committee, Phytosanitary Committee, and Innovation and Policy Committee. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
Africa Working Group: ASTA members have identified several opportunities in the African market for continued expansion of U.S. exports, and the Africa Working Group engages through the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), regional economic communities within Africa, and national seed associations to build relationships between ASTA members and key contacts in the region Priority topics for engagement include intellectual property rights, plant variety protection, variety registration, plant breeding innovation, trade expansion and enhancement, and phytosanitary measures. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
China Working Group: Intellectual property rights, plant variety protection, variety registration, plant breeding innovation, trade expansion and enhancement, phytosanitary measures, a Corn Seed Pilot project on exports, and seed quality management are topics of interest to the China Working Group. Current work includes outreach with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Chinese seed associations. Post-pandemic, the Working Group is considering how to support U.S. delegation visits and participate in China seed expos and summits. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
India Working Group: Intellectual property rights, plant variety protection, phytosanitary issues, emerging risks to trade, trade expansion and enhancement, and seed quality management are topics of special interest to the India Working Group. Current work includes building relationships with Indian seed associations and government agencies. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
Peru-Chile Working Group: ASTA members have identified Peru as a potential market for continued growth of seed sales and production. Phytosanitary trade barriers, plant breeding innovation and regional alignment between Peru and Chile are key priorities. Current work includes engagement with the Peru NPPO and local seed associations. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
Seed Association of the Americas Working Group: Phytosanitary trade barriers, intellectual property right protection, seed treatment, and plant breeding innovation are topics of special interest to the SAA Working Group. Current work includes discussion of SAA priorities and participation in working groups and alignment at regional Plant Protection Organizations. Contact Sam Crowell at scrowell@betterseed.org.
