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 and working groups. Please read through and determine which one(s) would be most beneficial for you to participate in, because when you benefit, the industry benefits.

Innovation and Policy Committee
LLP Working Group
Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee
Intellectual Property Rights Committee
Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee
Management Skills Committee
Future Seed Executives (FuSE)
Communications Committee
Organic Seed Committee
Phytosanitary Committee
Vegetable Technical Subcommittee
Food Safety Working Group
Emerging Diseases Working Group
Seed Industry Relations Committee
Seed Treatment and Environmental Committee
Stewardship Committee
Corn and Sorghum Seed Research Conference Planning Committee
Corn Basic Research Committee
Corn Variety Identification Sub-Committee
Soybean Seed Research Conference Planning Committee
Vegetable and Flower Permanent Research Fund Committee
International Executive Committee
Country Working Groups

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Innovation and Policy Committee

This committee covers policy and regulatory issues in the areas of new plant breeding innovations. The focus is on those policy and regulatory issues that have an impact across the seed industry. Examples of topics addressed by the Committee are regulatory policies for seed products developed through innovative breeding technologies and U.S. and international policies related to breeding and seed research. Advocacy and development of ASTA positions are initially developed through topic-specific working groups that report back to the Committee. Contact Bernice Slutsky at 703-837-81410, bslutsky@betterseed.org.

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LLP Working Group

Formed under the auspices of the Innovations and Policy Committee, the LLP Working Group focuses on issues related to low level presence in seed. This group provides input into the larger industry coalitions addressing LLP and the efforts of the International Seed Federation and Seed Association of the Americas. The group helps to develop strategies and priorities and is the primary interface with the U.S. Government with respect to developing a seed LLP policy. Contact Bernice Slutsky at 703-837-8140, bslutsky@amseed.org.

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Environmental and Conservation Seed Committee

This committee represents the interests of ASTA members who provide quality seed for land restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation. The primary focus of the committee is to promote the use of local and non-local native seeds and 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. The committee coordinates an annual conservation workshop each spring, which rotates between Washington, D.C. and Boise, Idaho. Contact Virginia Houston at 703-837-8140, vhouston@betterseed.org.

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Intellectual Property Rights Committee

Involved domestically and internationally, this committee develops and recommends policy positions on matters related to intellectual property protection schemes for adoption by the Board of Directors. The committee works with USDA, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other parties to develop rules and procedures related to the administration of the U.S. Plant Variety and Protection and Patent Acts. At a global level, the committee also advises ASTA representatives to the International Seed Federation’s Intellectual Property Committee. This committee conducts many activities through ad hoc working groups as the need arises. Contact Abigail Struxness at 703-837-8140, astruxness@betterseed.org.

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Legislative and Legal Concerns Committee

This committee is responsible for setting legislative priorities and policy positions that are representative of ASTA’s diverse membership. Primary to ASTA’s legislative agenda is to ensure that state and federal regulations relating to the seed industry remain consistent and practical. This committee provides a forum for ASTA’s membership to communicate with policymakers, including providing support resources and personal visits with elected and regulatory officials, when important measures are under consideration. Contact Virginia Houston at 703-837-8140, vhouston@betterseed.org.

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Management Skills Committee

Responsible for providing ASTA members with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the seed industry and improve their management skills, the committee develops new programs and learning opportunities, like the ASTA Management Academy, for both new and experienced seed industry professionals. Contact Stan Barrett at 703-837-8140, sbarrett@amseed.org.

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Future Seed Executives (FuSE)

A sub-committee of the Management Skills Committee, FuSE is charged with developing the next generation of leaders. Programs are designed as regional opportunities to expand learning, promote networking and improve general understanding of the seed industry. Contact Nikki Barnes at 703-837-8140, nbarnes@amseed.org.

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Communications Committee

Committee members will support both ASTA specific and industry-wide initiatives. These efforts, will include, but not be limited to; coordinate industry messaging (as appropriate) to support advocacy goals and to drive public opinion, participate in the development of ASTA’s comprehensive communications plan, generate more media coverage and attendance at ASTA annual conferences and meetings, apprise each other of emerging issues and media interests, share communications research & resources, and support industry initiatives like the Seed Treatment Stewardship Guide, First-the Seed, FuSE, etc. Contact Bethany Shively at 703-837-8140, bshively@betterseed.org.

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Organic Seed Committee

The 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 for approval by ASTA’s Board of Directors to be submitted to the USDA National Organic Program. The committee supports the organic seed industry for all commodities and interfaces with the USDA-NOP and the National Organic Standards Board. Contact Michelle Klieger at 703-837-8140, mklieger@amseed.org.

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Phytosanitary Committee

Representing ASTA in all national and international regulatory matters dealing with seed health, this committee focuses on the phytosanitary aspects of seed movement. It maintains a close relationship with USDA’s APHIS and foreign government plant quarantine bodies including the International Plant Protection Convention, the North American Plant Protection Organization 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. Contact Ric Dunkle at 703-837-8140, rdunkle@amseed.org.

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Vegetable Technical Subcommittee

A sub-committee of the Phytosanitary Committee, this committee focuses on phytosanitary issues of concern to the vegetable industry. Comprised primarily of plant pathologists, seed scientists, and lab people from vegetable seed companies, the VegTech Committee drills down into the technical issues concerning pests, primarily pathogens, of concern. Contact Ric Dunkle at 703-837-8140, rdunkle@amseed.org.

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Food Safety Working Group

Formed in 2008 in response to California’s E.coli outbreak, the group is responsible for developing and maintaining a database of research findings on food safety pathogens concerning the seed industry. In addition, the group developed the ASTA statement on testing seed for human pathogens and periodically reviews and proposes changes or amendments to the statement based on new scientific information. Members also monitor food safety incidents for potential impacts on the seed industry. Meetings are held as needed at ASTA’s Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, the Annual Convention and via conference calls. Contact Ric Dunkle at 703-837-8140, rdunkle@amseed.org.

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Emerging Diseases Working Group

An ad hoc working group under the Phytosanitary Committee, the group was first formed in response to Watermelon Fruit Blotch. It has since expanded its role to include other emerging diseases of concern. This group provides in-depth analysis of target diseases, recommends research, coordinates with research scientists in the seed industry and in public research institutions, and develops communication mechanisms to aid the seed industry in prevention and responses to seed diseases. It meets as needed at conferences and via conference calls. Contact Ric Dunkle at 703-837-8140, rdunkle@amseed.org.

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Seed Industry Relations Committee

Serving as a liaison with the Association of Official Seed Analysts, the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, and the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, this committee fosters communication and cooperation on issues of mutual concern. The committee keeps abreast of domestic and international developments in seed testing methods, standards, and related problems between the seed industry and seed analysts. Contact Ric Dunkle at 703-837-8140, rdunkle@amseed.org.

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Seed Treatment and Environmental Committee

Open to all ASTA members, the committee serves as a source of information to industry on issues relating to the regulation and labeling of seed treated with pesticides, 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 legislation regarding the safety of the seed industry’s workers, the environmental implications of the trade or the application/interpretation of existing laws as they may relate to the seed industry. Contact Jane DeMarchi at 703-837-8140, jdemarchi@amseed.org.

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Stewardship Committee

Established to develop and implement a living work plan that focuses on seed product quality, the committee is able to proactively address related emerging issues. Developing industry guidelines and educating and reaching out to domestic and foreign governments, growers, and other stakeholders who have expertise in stewardship and quality assurance and management are a few of the committee’s activities. Working groups are often utilized to develop and draft guidance related to seed quality management. Contact Bernice Slutsky at 703-837-8140, bslutsky@betterseed.org.

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Corn and Sorghum Seed Research Conference Planning Committee

Responsible for the selection of speakers and topics at the conference, this committee creates the programming as part of the overall CSS & Seed Expo. The committee offers a variety of perspectives from experts working in the private sector to academia. Contact Jennifer Crouse at 703-837-8170, jlordcrouse@amseed.org.

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Corn Basic Research Committee

The committee determines the need for basic research related to corn. It also catalogs problems faced by the agricultural community in the production of hybrid seed and commercial corn and develops project statements outlining the type of research needed to solve these problems. Additionally, the members organize support for such projects by soliciting help of other organizations. A financial commitment is required. The committee manages the Corn Seed Permanent Research Fund. Contact Ann Jorss at 703-837-8140, ajorss@amseed.org.

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Molecular Marker Subcommittee

Formerly the Corn Variety Identification Subcommittee, this sub-committee is focused on the technical aspects of utilizing molecular markers for variety identification and as part of the process of showing distinctness for Plant Variety Protection. Projects are conducted jointly with the U.S. Plant Variety Protection Office and are on a crop-specific basis. The Subgroup meets primarily through webinars with an in-person meeting at the ASTA CSS. Contact Bernice Slutsky at 703-837-8140, bslutsky@betterseed.org.

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Soybean Seed Research Conference Planning Committee

Responsible for the selection of speakers and topics at the Soybean Seed Research Conference, this committee creates the programming as part of the overall CSS & Seed Expo. The committee offers a variety of perspectives from experts working in the private sector to academia. Contact Jennifer Crouse at 703-837-8140, jlordcrouse@amseed.org.

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Vegetable and Flower Permanent Research Fund Committee

Meeting once a year at the Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference, committee members vote on and fund research projects related to vegetable and flower seed. A financial 3-year commitment is required, for which committee members are entitled to all previous and current research results generated. Contact Ann Jorss at 703-837-8140, ajorss@amseed.org.

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International Executive Committee

This committee plays a vital role in developing ASTA’s global agricultural policy development and international programs. It is comprised of the chairs of the Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation & Policy, Phytosanitary, and Seed Industry Relations committees; ASTA’s representatives to the International Seed Federation; the chairs of the five Country Working Groups; the chair of the Adventitious Presence Working Group; and the chair of ASTA’s Board of Directors. Working to set global and country priorities, develop strategies for ASTA representatives to ISF, and design strategies for USDA Cooperator Programs, including Foreign Market Development, Market Access Program and Emerging Markets Program, the committee provides guidance and participates in ASTA’s Priority Country Working Groups, and advocates ASTA’s message to U.S. government and stakeholders on the value of addressing these global seed issues. Contact Abigail Struxness at 703-837-8140, astruxness@betterseed.org.

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Country Working Groups

These groups provide an interactive forum for ASTA members, staff, and regional contacts in each country to discuss specific issues, identify international program goals, and implement activities specific to each of ASTA’s priority markets. These include Argentina, Brazil, China, India and Mexico. The groups meet via conference call throughout the year. Contact Abigail Struxness at 703-837-8140, astruxness@betterseed.org.

• Argentina Working Group
  Intellectual property rights, royalty collection, brown-bag seed, and emerging risks to trade are topics of special interest to the Argentina Working Group. Current work includes an IPR educational outreach project, partnering with Argentina Seed Association (ASA) and the Seed Association of the Americas to host workshops on phytosanitary and adventitious presence and low-level presence in seed.
• Brazil Working Group
  Phytosanitary trade barriers, re-export issues, pest lists, intellectual property rights, and emerging risks to trade are topics of special interest to the Brazil Working Group. Current work includes facilitating government to government and industry meetings in Brazil with The Brazilian Seed Association and hosting workshops with the Seed Association of the Americas on phytosanitary and adventitious presence and low-level presence in seed.
• China Working Group
  Intellectual property rights, plant variety protection and variety registration, emerging risks to trade, trade expansion and enhancement, and seed quality management are topics of interest to the China Working Group. Current work includes Ministry of Agriculture and Provincial government workshops, meetings and U.S. visits, and China Seed Expo and Summit.
• India Working Group
  Property rights, plant variety protection, 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 Seed Quality and Learning Initiative, Ministry of Agriculture meetings, and U.S. visits.
• Mexico Working Group
  Phytosanitary trade barriers, re-export issues, pest lists, and emerging risks to trade are topics of special interest to the Mexico Working Group. Current work includes assessing the market in Mexico and hosting workshops with the Seed Association of the Americas on phytosanitary and adventitious presence and low-level presence in seed.
• Rest of World (ROW)Country Working Group
  This group provides an interactive forum for ASTA members, staff, and regional contacts to discuss specific issues, identify international program goals, and implement activities in countries not currently identified as an ASTA priority markets, but are important to the global seed trade industry. This group meets via conference call throughout the year.