The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) recently named Brandon Pachman director of government affairs. Pachman joins ASTA from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, where he worked as a legislative analyst. According to an ASTA news release, he previously served on the staff of former Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) as a policy analyst and staff assistant on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. He has also worked for former Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and current Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). His background in politics includes experience at a campaign finance firm.
“Under a new administration and Congress, the ASTA team has been busy advocating on behalf of our diverse member companies in Washington, D.C., our state capitals, and around the world,” ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne said. “Brandon’s broad experience will provide our members with critical information on the changing Washington landscape and ensure the voice of the American seed industry is represented. We’re excited to have Brandon join our team to bolster our advocacy and policy efforts.”
A New York native, Pachman holds a Master of Arts in history and Bachelor of Arts degrees in European languages and history from the University of Rochester. In his new role, he will work with ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Janae Brady on the association’s federal government affairs efforts, representing nearly 700 member companies and their policy interests.
“I am excited to join ASTA and its extraordinary team. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to serve American agriculture both in Congress and at USDA,” Pachman said in the release. “I look forward to continuing that work in this capacity and advocate for ASTA’s member companies in the pursuit of sound, responsible federal policies that will empower the seed industry to overcome regulatory challenges and economic headwinds.”
