The Seed Innovation Protection Alliance recently announced Chris Reat assumed responsibilities as executive director effective Nov. 15. Reat has worked in agriculture for three decades with experience in crop inputs, seed, biotechnology, intellectual property protection and partnership development.
“Chris strengthens our team with exceptional experience in securing intellectual property rights and fostering partnership engagement across the seed sector,” ASTA CEO and president Andy LaVigne said in a SIPA news release. “We are committed to delivering efficient, industry-led solutions that help SIPA members protect their investments and innovate with confidence.”
Reat holds a bachelor of science in agriculture development from Texas A&M University. His career has included sales leadership, account management, marketing, seed and trait stewardship and team development. He and his wife Becky have two sons. Cole graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2020 and works as a fighter pilot instructor. Cade graduated from Texas A&M in 2022 and works in sales.
“I’m thrilled to bring my experience to SIPA’s members and board,” Reat said. “Together, we’ll develop innovative, principled solutions to meet the evolving needs of our industry. SIPA leads the way in promoting and protecting the value of seed innovation and I’m honored to contribute.”
Retiring executive director Eloy R. Corona’s tenure in agriculture spans more than 30 years with experience in sales, marketing, product management and intellectual property (IP) management. He has worked with major seed/agribusiness companies through the years such as Monsanto, Bayer CropScience and BASF. At SIPA, he oversaw efforts to promote the value of seed innovations, advance respect for IP rights in the seed sector and provide resources for seed companies, breeders and distributors.
