Crosby Devitt will join the Canadian Seed Trade Association as its new executive director, effective July 27, 2015.
Devitt is currently vice president, strategic development for the Grain Farmers of Ontario, where he leads and manages the communications, research and market development departments of the organization.
The CSTA says that Devitt was also instrumental in forming the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance and currently serves as Chair of the organization.
A familiar face to many in the seed industry, Devitt has been actively involved in CSTA committees, value chain working groups and conventions, and has “significant experience advocating the advancement of policy, marketing, trade and research on behalf of growers,” says the CSTA.
Devitt has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and a Master of Science, in Animal Science, from the University of Guelph. In 2012, Crosby was awarded the prestigious Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship to expand knowledge of international business and farming and to build networks with agricultural leaders around the world. Learn about his experience at https://crosbydevitt.wordpress.com and read his final report, The Future of Grain Research: Maximizing Productivity Growth through Partnerships.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to help meet the challenges and capture the opportunities that lie ahead for the Canadian seed industry,” Devitt says in a release.
The Board of Directors would also like to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of Patty Townsend, who will be leaving CSTA at the end of July. Patty’s efforts have had a huge positive impact on the advancement of policies, regulations and profile of CSTA and its membership.
The Canadian Seed Trade Association represents 130 seed company members engaged in all aspects of seed research, production, and marketing and trade, both domestically and internationally. For more information, go to www.cdnseed.org.
