ASTA Hires Senate Ag Veteran Janae Brady to Head up Government Affairs Efforts

ASTA Hires Senate Ag Veteran Janae Brady to Head up Government Affairs Efforts

Alexandria, VA – December 7, 2020 — The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is extremely pleased to welcome Janae Brady as its new Senior Director of Government Affairs. Brady previously served on staff for Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry during his time as both Chairman and Ranking Member. In her new role, starting December 7, 2020, Brady will lead ASTA’s federal government affairs efforts on behalf of the association’s more than 700 diverse member companies.

“As we head into a new year that will no doubt bring significant change – with new faces in Congress and a transition in the administration – our federal advocacy efforts will be more important than ever,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “Janae brings a tremendous amount of passion and expertise in all issues involving the agriculture industry, as well as the legislative and regulatory processes. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join the ASTA team, especially during this critical time.”

Most recently as Senior Professional Staff, she advised Chairman Roberts on policy issues including international trade, agricultural research, biotechnology, crop protection and agricultural defense. Brady successfully led negotiations on the trade and research titles during Senate and Conference consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill. Additionally, she represented the Chairman during the consultation process for multiple international trade negotiations, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“I am pleased to join the impressive team of professionals at ASTA,” said Brady. “The entire seed industry is a critical part of American agriculture’s efforts to address growing food and fiber challenges at home and around the world. I look forward to working with ASTA’s member companies to advocate for sound science, strong research, and effective policies to overcome these and other issues.”

Prior to her time with Chairman Roberts, Brady worked on trade and food security policy issues at Gordley Associates, an agriculture policy government relations firm, where she represented organizations such as the American Soybean Association, as well as previously serving as a high school teacher. Brady grew up working on her family’s Kansas wheat and sorghum farm. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University as well as a master’s degree from the George Washington University.

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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.