Over 120 members of the American Seed Trade Association “stormed the Hill” this week, meeting with their elected officials in Washington DC to talk about important issues for the seed industry.

“It was the most people we’ve had Storm the Hill ever,” said incoming ASTA chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon. “This is the first time that I’ve gone to the Hill and been able to meet with legislators themselves as opposed to just their staff.”

Among the key issues seed industry members discussed with lawmakers were trade, genetic resources, pollinator health, and labeling for genetically modified foods.

The ASTA annual meeting is held once every three years in Washington DC but next year the meeting will be held in Risa’s home state of Oregon as she takes over the chairmanship of the organization. “First time ever in Oregon and we’ll get to showcase some of the great diversity of agriculture in our state,” she said, more than a little excited about it!

Listen to my interview with Risa here: Interview with ASTA incoming chair Risa DeMasi, Grassland Oregon

2015 ASTA Annual Meeting photos