WASHINGTON, D.C. – CropLife America (CLA), the national association representing the manufacturers, distributors and formulators of organic and non-organic pesticides, as well as other crop protection products, has elected Paul Rea with BASF Agricultural Solutions as its newest chair of the CLA Board of Directors. Rea will hold the position for two years and use his diverse background to help guide the association, working with CLA’s President and CEO Chris Novak. He succeeds Susanne Wasson of Corteva Agriscience.

Born and raised on a farm in New Zealand, Rea is the senior vice president of BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. He oversees production, research and development, sales, marketing, and all other operations for BASF’s crop protection and seed business in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the turf and ornamental and pest management lines of business in North America.

“It’s a privilege to accept the role of chair of the CLA Board of Directors,” said Rea. “Uncertainty has been in plentiful supply this year, but our mission has never been clearer. Food and farming are essential to life and our economy, and this moment requires all within the agricultural community to engage, both collectively and individually, with a strong, clear voice to maintain farmers’ access to necessary crop protection products. I look forward to working with Chris, CLA staff, and other members to empower the industry to move forward and engage in the issues that challenge our industry.”

Chris Novak added, “I am grateful for Susanne Wasson’s leadership during my first two years at CLA and I look forward to working with Paul as he steps into the role of chair at such an interesting time for our industry. We have a great story to tell about the important role that pesticides and other crop protection tools play in promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change. Paul’s farm background, industry experience, and global perspective make him an ideal leader to help us navigate through these challenging times. We look forward to finding new ways to support our members and work as a united industry to help ensure farmers and other pesticide professionals have the tools they need to grow food, fiber, and fuel, as well as protect our health, our homes, and our communities from pests and disease.”