ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne announced today that Pat T. Miller has been named Director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), effective January 8. Miller will coordinate with ASTA staff to provide seed industry input to legislative, regulatory and grassroots activities at the local and state levels with state and regional seed associations, seed companies and grower associations. He will be based in Austin, Texas, and report to ASTA Vice President, Government Affairs, Leslie Cahill.

“Pat has a keen understanding of the issues that confront state associations, as well as the legislative and regulatory processes that impact ASTA members and their grower customers,” said LaVigne. “It is an ASTA strategic priority to provide more extensive involvement in the increasing number of state and local government actions that can shape the seed industry. With Pat’s targeted support for our membership at the local level, both ASTA members and state and regional seed associations will have a valuable resource to aid them in responding quickly as issues arise.” In 2006, ASTA’s Board of Directors selected a new president, and added staff in the areas of public affairs, scientific and international affairs to meet other goals identified in the organization’s strategic plan.

“It’s exciting to be involved in an industry that is leading agricultural technology today,” said Miller. “ASTA has a great reputation and I welcome the opportunity to become a part of the organization.”

Miller, a native of Texas, is currently Executive Director of the Southwestern Fertilizer Conference and previously served as president of the Texas Ag Industries Association for 18 years. In addition, he has been the Executive Director of the Texas Certified Crop Advisers, and the Texas Plant Protection Association, as well as other ag-related membership groups. He is a graduate of North Texas State University in Denton.

Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Alexandria, Virginia, 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.