b"From Classroom to Policy TableAdvocating for transparent, predictable, science-based regulatory policies starts with building relationships, says Janae Brady, ASTAs Vice President of Government Affairs.SW: You grew up on your familysbetter conservation methods, including wheat and sorghum farm in Kansas.cover crop seed, producers can maintain How important is your personaltheir economic livelihoods and pro-understanding of farming to yourductivity while conserving vital natural government relations work?resources. Janae Brady (JB): Being raised on aThe continuous advancement of family farm has had a major impact on mytechnology and innovations provides new role working in agriculture policy. I haveopportunities to meet challenges in a safe a deep appreciation for the passion andand sustainable way. Investments in plant hard work that our farmers have for pro- breeding innovation, like gene editing, can ducing food, fiber and fuel. I do hope thatbe incentivized by appropriate policies, this helps me translate the importance ofassociations, sportsmen and sports- resulting in new jobs and market opportu-these issue to policy makers. women, and environmental advocates.nities and boosting sustainability. As a member of FACA, ASTA has SW: You used to be a high schoolhad the opportunity to weigh in onSW: What are some of the ASTA's English teacher. Can you translatesignificant administrative and legislativekey priorities for 2024?any of the skills you developed as aefforts, including USDAs Partnerships forJB: The Farm Bill will continue to be a pri-teacher to your current work? Climate-Smart Commodities. This invest- ority, whether that be advocating for final JB: So many. Beginning my career as ament of over $3 billion positions the seedpassage into law or supporting imple-high school teacher gave me day-to-dayindustry as a major player in ensuring thatmentation of a final product. skills of time management and organiza- these projects are successful in providingAgricultural research continues to tion but, most importantly, I learned howeconomic and environmental benefits tobe a top priority for ASTA and the seed to build relationships. The first thing Ithe producer and the land. industry. A robust federal investment in learned about working with students wasagricultural research is vital to ensuring that if I didnt do the work to establishSW: What do you see as the mostthe success of U.S. farmers and a sustain-strong relationships, I wasnt going to beexciting opportunities coming upable and secure global food production able to help students find success. Thefor the seed industry? system. ASTA looks forward to continuing same is true for working in a job that pri- JB: The agriculture industry will continueto advocate for both funding and policies oritizes advocacy. Whether its with policyto face challenges in meeting the grow- that allow U.S. seed companies, public makers and their staff, ASTA members,ing food security needs around the world.and private scientists, and U.S. producers or partners in and outside of our industry,While these challenges are significant,to innovate to improve crops and produc-success starts with strong relationships.seed is well-positioned to offer solutions.tion practices. Consumers, ranchers, and growers can allASTA will also continue to advocate SW: What policies are helping tobenefit from these solutions. for federal and state regulatory policies improve the seed industry?Farmers need quality, professionallythat support seed innovation. We will JB: Since 2021, ASTA has been a steer- produced seed in order to meet theircontinue to work with agencies, includ-ing committee member for the Food andproduction and business goals. They alsoing the USDA, EPA, FDA, and USTR, to Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA). Thisneed seed technology that helps achievesupport transparent, predictable, science-coalition consists of over 80 organizationsgoals in conservation and sustainabilitybased regulatory policies that provide that represent farmers, ranchers, forestefforts. ASTA members are leading theopportunities for our member companies owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers,charge in providing seed that can doto continue supporting the entire value state governments, higher educationmore with less. For example, by usingchain.SW70/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2023"