Alexandria, Virginia, USA
June 29, 2010
The American Seed Trade Association tonight (June 29, 2010) honored Arcadio Lozano Martinez with the Lifetime Honorary Membership Award for his dedication and life service to the industry.
“The award is one of the highest awards given out by the Association and it’s designed to recognize untiring service to the Association, as well as the seed industry,” said Andy LaVigne, ASTA president and CEO. “Arcadio is very deserving of this award.”
Martinez has a long history of leadership in the seed industry. Prior to serving as president of the Mexican Seed Trade Association from 1995-1997 and again in 2002, he worked with government officials and Mexican Congressman to get the 1991 Seed Act approved, which eliminated the need for variety registration with a three-year period of previous evaluation by government and allowing the private industry to proceed with research activities.
In 1994, he advocated for AMSAC in cooperation with Mexico to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), for the passing of the Federal Vegetable Variety Law, which protects the rights over new varieties.
“His efforts and leadership in the seed industry have helped solve many challenges, especially in the phytosanitary and importation arena,” said Jerry Monk, ASTA chairman who recognized Martinez. “During his time at AMSAC, he was fundamental in helping form the Seed Association of Americas.
“Arcadio is known as a very honest person and one that is true to his work. He is well respected by Mexican government officials and policymakers. They often call upon him to get an accurate and unbiased picture of the issue.”
Monk said his integrity has not only directly helped ASTA better understand the seed industry from Mexico’s point of view, but also helped the United States seed industry develop a better working relationship with Mexico.
Martinez has served as the Mexican Seed Trade Association representative to ASTA from 2004-2009.
At the beginning of this year, Martinez began to chart a new path and currently serves as the business development manager for Sunrise Produce LLC, based out of Guadalajara. Prior to that, he was the general manager for Sakata Seed de Mexico from 1995-2009 and has held many other positions. He has also worked for Semillas Hibridas (DeKalk) as their commercial director, Hibridos Mexicanos (Pioneer) as a sales manager, Semillas Growers as a sales manager, and La Hacienda (Pioneer) as a research assistant and regional sales manager.
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