Seed industry recognizes USDA-NRCS Chief with Distinguished Service Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Seed Trade Association recognized Dave White, Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, with its Distinguished Service Award during its 129th Annual Convention June 21 in National Harbor, Md.
“Chief White has been a long and steadfast supporter of the U.S. seed industry and American agriculture,” said Mike Gumina, ASTA chairman and vice president of production, safety, health and environment/risk management for Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “He and his team work hard to implement programs that ensure our public lands are conserved, restored and more resilient to environmental challenges.”
NRCS partners with landowners and members of the seed industry to maintain a strong focus on stewardship and effective conservation practices. More than 70 percent of land in the United States is privately owned and quality seeds from the U.S. seed industry help reduce erosion, increase wildlife habitat and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters.
ASTA and NRCS currently work together formally through a Memorandum of Understanding. This year marked the 10th anniversary workshop of ASTA and NRCS.