John Latham, president of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, was elected as North Central Regional Vice President of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) during its 129th Annual Convention in Washington D.C. The North Central Region includes Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“We’re excited to have John serving on ASTA’s Board of Directors,” said Andy LaVigne, president and chief executive officer. “He brings a wealth of experience and a strong family history of seed industry leadership.”
As North Central Regional Vice President, John will serve as a member to the ASTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors for three years. He will serve as a liaison with state and regional associations on national legislation, reporting to ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Cahill on state legislative matters relating to the seed industry. As regional vice president, John also will be responsible for recruiting new members in the region and representing ASTA at state and regional association meetings.
“It’s a real honor to have been nominated and elected by my peers in the seed industry for this important position. The seed industry has such an important responsibility to help feed the world and I look forward to helping to advance a great cause and association.”
Founded in 1883 and located in Alexandria, VA., ASTA is one of the most established trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of more than 700 companies involved in production and distribution, plant breeding and related industries around the globe. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy important to the industry. The trade organization promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.