ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne announced today that Lisa J. Dry has been named Vice President, Public Affairs, for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). Dry will be responsible for creating an outreach and education program for ASTA's public audiences which include its members, growers and the media. She will report to the President and CEO and interact closely with all areas of ASTA to ensure strong cooperation throughout the association.

"Lisa brings to ASTA her extensive knowledge and experience in the agriculture arena with a strong understanding of biotechnology," said LaVigne. "Her strong contacts with the media that cover food and agriculture production will enable her to enhance ASTA's communication efforts with our membership, legislators/regulators and the general public."

"I am delighted to join ASTA as its first VP of Public Affairs," said Dry. "ASTA's board has identified communications and outreach as key components of its strategic plan. I'm eager to further ASTA's goal of increasing public awareness of the role of the seed industry in agriculture, whether the issue be intellectual property rights, biotechnology, the environment or trade issues."

Dry comes to ASTA with 20 years' experience in agriculture and food safety issues, and most recently served as Director of Communications for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). She held similar positions at the Animal Health Institute and the National Pork Producers Council.

Dry graduated from Southeast Missouri State University, with a degree in journalism and did post-graduate study at New York University. Prior to moving to Washington, she worked at American Cyanamid Company in New Jersey and with New York advertising and public relations firms. A Missouri native, Dry retains an interest in her family's cotton farm.

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Washington, DC, is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 850 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.