Alexandria, Virginia, USA
January 13, 2012

Jane B. DeMarchi, an accomplished government affairs executive with extensive agriculture policy experience and expertise in technology, research and food safety and security issues, today was named Vice President, Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), one of the oldest trade associations in the United States.

The announcement was made by Andrew W. LaVigne, President and CEO of the ASTA.

“Increasingly the American seed industry is becoming a driver of technology and innovation in the agricultural sector of the economy,” said Mr. LaVigne. “In supporting ASTA’s role as a leading advocate for companies involved in the development, marketing and movement of seed, Jane’s understanding of a wide variety of regulatory and trade issues will be invaluable to our national and state advocacy efforts.”

Ms. DeMarchi joins ASTA from the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), where, as the director of government affairs for research and technology, she worked on research-related policy issues and industry-wide efforts to bring biotechnology to wheat. She coordinated the Wheat Innovation Alliance and served as secretariat for the National Wheat Improvement Committee. These broad-based groups focus on identifying and advocating for research priorities and communicating science-based information regarding wheat improvement.

“I’m thrilled to be supporting ASTA’s member companies and the ASTA team in Washington, DC during a time of great opportunity for the seed industry,” said Ms. DeMarchi. “As the world’s demand for food and fiber increases, so, too, must our efforts to bring science-based information about seeds to legislative, regulatory and research funding debates.”

Prior to NAWG, Ms. DeMarchi was Director of Government Affairs at the North American Millers’ Association, where she advocated on behalf of the corn, wheat and oat milling industry on issues including food and grain quality and safety. Earlier in her career, Ms. DeMarchi focused on economic development and trade promotion, first with the State of Ohio and then with the U.S. Department of Commerce in roles in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

“Jane’s extensive experience in trade with China will also be helpful as ASTA builds on its recent signing of an MOU with the China National Seed Association to promote cooperation and innovation,” said Mr. LaVigne.

Ms. DeMarchi was awarded her B.A. in Asian studies at Dartmouth College and studied in Taipei, Taiwan. She lives with her husband and two children in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC.
 

Website: http://www.betterseed.org/

Published: January 14, 2013