News Releases

DATE:	November 10, 2009
CONTACT:	Andrew LaVigne
	(703) 837-8140

Indiana native named director of communications for ASTA

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Seed Trade Association recently named Julie Douglas, of Lafayette, Ind., as the director of communications.
“We are very excited to have Julie join our team,” said Andrew LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA. “She brings great practical experience with the innovations and technology driving today’s production agriculture. Julie will be a great asset to our organization.”
In her new role, Douglas will be responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing ASTA’s communications strategies to promote the policies and activities of the seed industry. Douglas will assume full responsibilities Jan. 4.
“It’s a unique time for agriculture in general, and especially for the seed industry,” Douglas said. “In my new role, I’ll work to share agriculture’s story, with emphasis placed on the benefits of quality seed, the continuous innovations within the industry and how the members of the American Seed Trade Association are involved.”
A native of Flat Rock, Ind., Douglas was born and raised on a progressive family farm where she worked many long hours in the fields and barns.
“Julie understands agriculture and the challenges we face from a firsthand experience,” LaVigne said. “I’m confident that her knowledge and understanding will not only help us better communicate with our core constituencies, but also help communicate the seed industry’s message.”
Currently, Douglas works in the Department of Agricultural Communications at Purdue University as the editor and writer for Ag Answers, delivering production ag news from Purdue and Ohio State University to help farmers make better business decisions. Prior to working at Purdue, she served as a writer for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. She is a Purdue graduate and holds a bachelor’s of science degree with emphasis on agricultural communications and animal science.

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), located in Alexandria, Va., is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 730 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.