ASTA Supports Confirmation of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture

ASTA Supports Confirmation of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture

Alexandria, VA—Feb. 2, 2020–The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) strongly supports the confirmation of Tom Vilsack as the 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The association sent a formal letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman expressing support for President Biden’s nomination of Vilsack to this key position, and urging his swift confirmation by the Senate.

“Vilsack is an exceptional choice to lead the Department of Agriculture,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “As the former Governor of Iowa and the former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Vilsack has demonstrated a strong understanding of the important issues impacting the American seed industry and the broader agriculture community.”

A key issue for ASTA continues to be the continuation and advancement of plant breeding innovations, which hold tremendous promise for the future of our food, agriculture and environment.

“There is no question that today’s food and agriculture production system faces very-real and evolving threats – from a global pandemic, to a changing climate, drought, and evolving pests and disease,” said LaVigne. “Continued innovations in agriculture will be critical to providing solutions to meet these challenges; and it all starts with seed. We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack to advance innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for our food and our planet.”

ASTA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Secretary Vilsack, and stands ready to work with the team at USDA and the rest of President Biden’s administration to advance key mutual priorities.

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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.