News Releases

DATE:	June 30, 2000
CONTACT:	Jane Stickley
	(703) 837-8140

ASTA Honors Pioneer’s Director of Research for Years of Achievement in Plant Breeding

Washington, DC—Jack Cavanah, vice president and director of International Research at Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., of Johnston, Iowa, received the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA’s) Distinguished Service Award for his years of accomplishments in plant breeding and genetic research. The award was presented at ASTA’s Annual Convention in San Francisco on June 19.

Cavanah has spent his entire career at Pioneer Hi-Bred. He began at the company as a corn breeder, then moved to coordinated research in other crops, and finally, to worldwide plant research. In 1997, he assumed his current position.

Cavanah has also held several leadership positions with the International Association of Plant Breeders (ASSINSEL), based in Nyon, Switzerland. He was president of the organization in 1998, and currently serves on its Executive Committee. He was also active with the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders, serving on its board of directors from 1995-98.

Cavanah has a B.S. degree in agronomy and M.S. degree in genetics from the University of Illinois. He resides in Des Moines.

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Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of about 850 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. As an authority on plant germplasm, ASTA advocates science and policy issues of industry importance. Its mission is to enhance the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide.