ASTA Staff Appointed to Key Trade Advisory Committees

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 USDA 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.

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