Agriculture has always been at the heart of my career. As the Vice President of Operations at Summit, I oversee the daily logistics that ensure our seed coatings help farmers maximize their yields. However, my passion for agriculture extends beyond my role at Summit. I also serve as the Board Chair for the Coalition for Agriculture’s Future (CAF), an organization dedicated to preserving farmland and advocating for policies that support agricultural sustainability.
The Importance of Farmland Preservation
One of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today is urban expansion. In my home state of Idaho, farmland is being rapidly converted into residential and commercial developments. For example, between 2017 and 2022, the Treasure Valley lost 174,000 acres of prime farmland. Given that Canyon County is the fifth-largest seed-producing region in the world, these losses have serious implications for food security.
As part of CAF, I work closely with industry leaders, policymakers, and local governments to ensure that decision-makers understand the long-term impact of land-use policies. Our goal is not to prevent farmers from selling their land, but rather to provide alternative options that allow them to continue farming if they choose.
How We’re Making a Difference
CAF focuses on advocacy, education, and policy development. Some of our key initiatives include:
- Legislative Advocacy: We successfully helped pass House Bill 608, which created the Agricultural Protection Area (APA) program. This gives farmers an incentive to keep their land in agriculture.
- Public Engagement: Through events like “Treasure Our Valley,” we educate the public about Idaho’s agricultural heritage and the role that seeds play in global food production.
- Industry Collaboration: We work with organizations such as the American Farmland Trust to promote sustainable agricultural policies at both the state and national levels.
The Connection to Summit
At Summit, our mission is to enhance seed performance through innovative coatings, helping farmers get the most out of every acre. With global food demand increasing and available farmland shrinking, efficiency is more critical than ever. My work with CAF aligns perfectly with Summit’s goals—ensuring that farmers have both the land and the technology they need to sustain future generations.
Summit supports my work with CAF because we recognize that the future of farming depends on collaboration. Whether through policy advocacy or advanced seed coatings, we are committed to strengthening agriculture for years to come.
