b'Q&AFrom the Hill to the HeartlandASTA chair champions advocacy at every level.By Aimee Nielson, Seed World U.S. EditorI recently had a great chat with new American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) board chair Dave Treinen. He is calling on seed industry professionals to raise their voicesfrom Capitol Hill to backyard conversationsto share agri-cultures story and protect its future.Treinen leads GreenLeaf Genetics, a Dave TreinenSyngenta business that supports inde-is an industry pendent seed companies through access veteran and thehead of GreenLeafto genetics, traits and technologies. As Genetics. GreenLeafthe current ASTA chair, he brings decades supports independentof experience in crop protection, biotech-seed companies vianology and agricultural advocacy. In this licensing corn traits and germplasm.conversation, Treinen shares reflections on his path into the seed industry, the endur-ing principles that guide GreenLeaf, the importance of trust and transparency and why advocacy at every level matters for agricultures future.Q:When you became ASTA Chair, youtalked about moving from activa-tion to advocacy. What does that mean to you?A:Activation, as my predecessor Dan (Foor) emphasized, is a process, not an event. Well always look for ways to activate our members. But advocacy means taking it furtherbeing willing to have conversations at every level, whether thats on Capitol Hill, in your rotary club, or with a neighbor who doesnt know much about agriculture. Without seeds, there is no food. Were called to be advocates, even if we dont say it perfectly.18/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025'