“We’re extremely pleased to have someone with Janice’s communications experience and agriculture pedigree join ASTA,” said LaVigne. “In light of the challenges and opportunities identified in our recently adopted five-year strategic plan, we expect her knowledge of farming, the media and the Washington political environment to be particularly valuable.”


As director of communications, Walters will work closely with LaVigne, ASTA senior staff and the association's leadership to promote the seed industry’s regulatory and legislative positions, as well as its many initiatives to support seed education and research, careers in the seed industry, and the quality management, movement and stewardship of seed.   

“I’m very privileged to join ASTA’s team during such an important time in agriculture,” Walters said. “We have a great story to tell and I look forward to advocating for our members as the seed industry faces the many new and emerging issues both in Washington and throughout the country.”

In her role at NCGA, Walters promoted agriculture issues and policies related to corn growers through cultivation of trade and general media and implementation of social media strategies. 

She also created communication outreach plans for the 2008 and 2013 farm bills and assisted in developing the public relations campaign for the Corn Farmers Coalition. Prior to NCGA, Walters served as assistant press secretary for the USDA, providing media and travel support for the secretary of agriculture.  
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Raised on an Illinois farm, Walters is a former member of both the 4-H and FFA and a graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. FG

—From ASTA news release