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
Environmental & Conservation Seed Committee
Government Affairs Committee
Innovation and Policy Committee
International Committee
Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) Committee
Legal Committee
Meetings Committee
Membership Committee
Organic Seed Committee
Phytosanitary Committee
Seed Industry Relations Committee
Treated Seed Committee
Subcommittees:
Associates/Exhibitors Planning Subcommittee
Biotech Market Access and Trade Subcommittee
Crop Biotechnology Regulatory Subcommittee
Emerging Diseases Subcommittee
Field Crop Seed Convention Planning Subcommittee
Forage, Turf & Conservation Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee
Intellectual Property Rights Subcommittee
Leadership Summit Planning Subcommittee
Plant Breeding Innovation Subcommittee
Potato Seed Subcommittee
Student Subcommittee
Treated Seed Federal Policy Subcommittee
Treated Seed State Policy Subcommittee
Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee
Vegetable & Flower Seed Technical Subcommittee
Visionary Subcommittee
Women in Seed Subcommittee
Task Forces and Working Groups:
Cover Crop Task Force
International 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 for more information.
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 as well as 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 Janae Brady and Brandon Pachman for more information.
Government Affairs 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 and Jordan Gregory for more information.
Innovation and Policy Committee: This committee focuses 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 priorities and positions are developed through smaller groups, such as ad hoc topic specific and standing working groups, as well as subcommittees that report to the committee; such as the Plant Breeding Innovation Subcommittee, the Crop Biotechnology Regulatory Policy Subcommittee, the Intellectual Property Rights Subcommittee, and the Molecular Markers Working Group.
Contact Fan-Li Chou for more information.
International Committee: By invitation only. 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 International 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, includingthe Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, Market Access Program (MAP), and the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). Finally, the International Committee provides guidance and participates in ASTA’s priority International Working Groups, and advocates with government officials and stakeholders on the value of addressing global seed issues.
Contact Sam Crowell for more information.
Leadership, Education, and 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 Ann Jorss and Kaity Crawford for more information.
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 and Janae Brady for more information.
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. This is currently a closed committee.
Contact Ann Jorss for more information.
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 & Flower Seed Conference and the Leadership Summit. The committee is closed to members unless they are in the following leadership positions: Regional Vice President, ASTA Officer, three most recent Past Chairs, and ASTA General Counsel.
Contact Ann Jorss for more information.
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 (NOSB). The committee supports the organic seed industry for all commodities and interfaces with the USDA-NOP and the NOSB.
Contact Brandon Pachman and Fan-Li Chou for more information.
Phytosanitary Committee: This committee focuses on the phytosanitary aspects of global seed movement and plays a key role in representing the seed industry in discussions with national and international plant quarantine authorities. The committee works closely with USDA’s APHIS, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), and other regional and national plant protection organizations (NPPOs), as well as seed associations worldwide. Through this broad network, the committee monitors regulatory developments and engages directly with NPPOs to find practical, science-based, and risk-proportionate solutions to phytosanitary issues impacting seed trade. It actively advocates for harmonized regulations that facilitate the safe and efficient international movement of seed.
Contact Martha Malapi for more information.
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 for more information.
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.
Contact Jordan Gregory and Janae Brady for more information.
Associates/Exhibitors Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for evaluating ASTA’s conference-related 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 subcommittee and can take part, particularly those who exhibit at ASTA events.
Contact Ann Jorss and Ann Ward for more information.
Biotech Market Access and Trade Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the Innovation and Policy Committee, serves as ASTA’s focal point for issues related to trade and foreign regulatory approvals impacting biotech crops. The subcommittee works with a variety of U.S. trade and foreign affairs agencies, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Commerce, Department of Sate, and others to advocate for regulatory alignment for crop biotechnology in a wide range of markets.
Contact Sam Crowell for more information.
Crop Biotechnology Regulatory Subcommittee: This subcommittee provides leadership and strategic guidance on domestic regulatory and policy matters affecting crop biotechnology. The subcommittee evaluates emerging regulatory developments, supports engagement with federal agencies, and develops recommendations related to the continued evolution of the U.S. Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. It also coordinates ASTA’s participation in key regulatory initiatives, including the EPA Pesticide Registration Improvement Act Coalition. Through these activities, the subcommittee advances science-based, risk-proportionate regulatory approaches that foster innovation and support the development and commercialization of agricultural biotechnology products.
Contact Fan-Li Chou for more information.
Emerging Diseases Subcommittee: A subcommittee of the Phytosanitary Committee, this group focuses on emerging plant diseases that may impact the seed industry. The subcommittee provides in-depth analysis of high-priority and emerging pathogens, recommends targeted research, and coordinates efforts with scientists from the seed industry and public research institutions. It also develops effective communication tools to support the industry’s efforts in disease prevention, preparedness, and response. This subcommittee plays a critical role in helping the seed sector stay ahead of new and evolving phytosanitary challenges.
Contact Martha Malapi for more information.
Field Crop Seed Convention Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for the Field Crop Seed Convention (FCSC) programming.
Contact Janae Brady for more information.
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 Janae Brady for more information.
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 and Fan-Li Chou for more information.
Leadership Summit Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for ASTA Leadership Summit program content and session programming.
Contact Janae Brady for more information.
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 for more information.
Potato Seed Subcommittee: This sub-committee supports members’ effort in the use of true potato seed.
Contact Martha Malapi for more information.
Student Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the LEAD Committee, is run by student members for students. The subcommittee organizes educational sessions at ASTA meetings as well as recruitment efforts at various universities. This subcommittee is for Student Members only.
Contact Kaity Crawford for more information.
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 for more information.
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 for more information.
Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee is responsible for selecting speakers and topics for the Vegetable & Flower Seed session programming.
Contact Jordan Gregory and Fan-Li Chou for more information.
Vegetable & Flower Seed Technical Subcommittee: A subcommittee of the Phytosanitary Committee, this group focuses on plant health issues impacting the vegetable and flower seed industries. Its members include plant pathologists and seed scientists from both academia and seed companies. The subcommittee addresses technical challenges related to pests and pathogens of regulatory concern, collaborates with plant diagnostic laboratories, and helps identify research needs specific to the vegetable and flower seed sectors. The subcommittee provides science-based input to support the seed industry’s engagement with regulatory authorities.
Contact Martha Malapi for more information.
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 subcommittee, and members shall include the Officers of the Board and selected leaders from the ASTA membership. This is currently a closed subcommittee.
Contact Ann Jorss for more information.
Women in Seed Subcommittee: This subcommittee, operating under the LEAD Committee, is responsible for the strategy, design, and execution of Women in Seed events at ASTA conferences throughout the year.
Contact Jordan Gregory for more information.
Cover Crop Task Force: This task force, operating under the Environment & Conservation Seed 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 task force.
Contact Janae Brady for more information.
International Working Groups: These groups, operating under the International Committee, are open to all ASTA members. International working groups provide the opportunity for ASTA members, staff, and contacts in each region to discuss specific issues, identify international program goals, and implement activities specific to several of ASTA’s priority markets, including: Africa; Asia; North America; and Central and South America. Priority issues across these groups include tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, intellectual property rights, biotechnology policy alignment, and phytosanitary measures. The groups meet throughout the year via conference call or on the sidelines of other ASTA meetings.
More broadly, ASTA also engages in other countries and regions through the International Committee, Phytosanitary Committee, and Innovation & Policy Committee. contact Ben Rietmann for more information.
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.
Asia Working Group: ASTA members remain engaged in issues impacting seed trade in China, India, and other countries across the Asia Pacific region, often in coordination with the Asia-Pacific Seed Association and local seed trade groups.
Central and South American Working Group: This group guides and conducts national and regional engagement across the Americas, often in coordination with the Seed Association of the Americas (SAA).
North America (USMCA) Working Group: ASTA members address issues affecting seed trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including issues related to the USMCA trade agreement.
