ASTA Staff Appointed to Key Trade Advisory Committees

Alexandria, VA—June 12, 2019— American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) staff will represent the U.S. seed industry on two key trade advisory committees. President & CEO Andy LaVigne has been appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC), and Sr. Director of International Trade Programs and Policy Abigail Struxness has been appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC) in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds, and Planting Seeds. The Committees are jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

In their new roles, LaVigne and Struxness will work to ensure that U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect public- and private-sector interests in global seed commerce.

“I’m very pleased that the Administration chose to make these two key appointments, realizing the importance of having seed industry representation at the table as they discuss trade policy,” said LaVigne. “ASTA has a fantastic reputation at the national and international levels for working closely with stakeholders to successfully solve challenges that confront the seed industry and U.S. agriculture in general. I very much look forward to continuing that reputation as I sit at the APAC table with my peers.”

APAC provides advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on the trade policy administration, while ATAC provides technical advice and information about specific commodities and products.

“I’m honored and excited to represent the seed industry on this committee, and ready to work collaboratively to advance the trade policy goals of our sector,” said Struxness.

LaVigne, Struxness and the other new appointees will serve until June 15, 2023. For more information, see USDA’s press release.

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