American Seed Trade Association elects new leadership

The American Seed Trade Association elected and installed the 2014-15 officer team during recent annual convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The officers share common goals and will continue to implement the association's five-year Strategic Plan, focusing strongly on advocacy and communications.

New ASTA leadership includes:

Chairman: John Schoenecker, HM.CLAUSE
First Vice Chair: Risa DeMasi, Grassland Oregon
Second Vice Chair: Mark Hermann, Monsanto Vegetable

"The work of the seed industry is noble and I am honored to represent our membership as Chairman," Schoenecker said. "We will be faced with many new challenges over the next year but that provides an opportunity for the entire industry to come together to advocate, support and move forward."

"This is a great industry and we have an exciting story to tell," DeMasi said. "Over the next year we will focus on working collaboratively and defining our voice within the industry. But to be successful, we need engagement from our entire membership: large and small; conventional, organic and biotech; row crops, flowers, vegetables and grasses."

"After being involved in ASTA for several years, I am privileged to be part of this officer team," Hermann said. "I have been so impressed by the work and dedication of those before me and look forward to clearing a path to enable a healthy, effective and progressive seed industry."

The new ASTA leadership team will begin official duties on July 1.