The American Seed Trade Association will be the lead advocate for crop biotechnology now that the Biotechnology Innovation Organization has eliminated its agriculture and environment section.
ASTA was identified as the successor organization to that division by a committee composed of BIO members, according to an ASTA release. “After a rigorous evaluation and interview process, the committee unanimously selected ASTA to carry forward this important portfolio,” the release said.
BIO has decided to focus exclusively on health and biopharmaceuticals.
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“ASTA is honored to carry this work forward and continue building on our history of strong plant innovation advocacy,” said ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne. “We recognize the importance of these critical advocacy and regulatory efforts, and we are prepared to uphold the high standards our members and stakeholders expect.”
The release said ASTA is developing "a comprehensive onboarding plan to integrate additional resources and expertise. This plan is designed to ensure uninterrupted support across the full spectrum of ASTA member priorities and services, while further strengthening the collective voice of the U.S. seed sector."
