SAN DIEGO, CA – Industry advocacy, the forthcoming farm bill, trade, and the upcoming federal and state elections, were key topics at the 2024 CLA and RISE Joint Annual Meeting, held September 15 – 18 in San Diego, CA. The meeting provided an opportunity for CLA and RISE members to review 2024 initiatives and reflect on the opportunities ahead for the industry.

A highlight of the Annual Meeting is the recognition of members who have shown exemplary drive and leadership. Whether managing specific issues or overseeing the work of an entire committee, CLA is thankful for members’ time, hard work, and dedication to the industry.

“We are incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year’s award winners. Their dedication, innovation, and leadership have set a new standard of excellence in the agriculture community,” stated Alexandra Dunn, president and CEO of CLA. “Our awardees reflect the broad range of dynamic agricultural careers – from those early in their careers, those in government and elected services, and individuals at the culmination of their dedication to leading agricultural companies over multiple decades. What these people share is a passion to convey information about the innovations that are shaping the future of agriculture, and helping farmers grow a better tomorrow for our communities and our planet.”

Members and partners recognized by CLA this year include:  

The Pillar Award recognizes an individual or group who has shown dedicated service to the pesticide industry and CLA by working diligently on current and emerging issues. The Pillar Award winner for 2024 is James Nyangulu (federal regulatory engagement lead, Bayer).

CLA presented the Rising Star Award to recognize an emerging leader in the agricultural industry whose record reflects exceptional growth in leadership and responsibility. Congratulations to Dorothy Clark (manager of federal government and industry affairs, Land O’ Lakes) on this well-deserved honor!

The State Leadership Award honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership in state legislative or regulatory issues and promotes initiatives that protect the ability of farmers to provide a safe, affordable and sustainable food supply. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Representative Gabe Evans (Colorado State Legislature).

The Chairman’s Award honors individuals within the CLA staff for their exceptional service to member companies, the industry, and the organization. This year’s winner is Molly O’Connor (director, federal government relations).

The Urbanowski Grassroots Award honors the outstanding grassroots contributions made by an individual or organization at the local, state, or federal level. CLA was thrilled to recognize Mike Aerts (vice president of science and regulatory, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association).

The Agriculture Ambassador Award honors a member or an allied organization to CLA who has made a major contribution to public education about pesticides and their contribution to a safe, affordable, and sustainable food supply. This year, CLA was honored to recognize Rod Snyder.

The Lea S. Hitchner Award honors one individual whose outstanding contributions to the industry and association activities epitomize the essence of the first CLA President, Lea S. Hitchner. This year, the award was presented to Charlotte Sanson (head of regulatory affairs and sustainability, ADAMA). Charlotte’s dedication to the pesticide industry through her 40-year career and her calm and diplomatic, yet firm and influential, leadership has advanced the efforts to defend, maintain, and advance a pragmatic regulated landscape.

CLA was also honored to present two Lifetime Achievement Awards to individuals whose exceptional dedication to the agriculture community has helped implement solutions to the industry’s most pressing issues and whose legacy will guide the future of the industry. Congratulations to Tommy Jackson (executive account lead, Syngenta) and Eric Wintemute (chairman of the Board, AMVAC).

CLA is also pleased to welcome ten new member companies: Alliger Financial, Agrofresh, JRF America Inc., Nutrien Ag Solutions, Venable LLP, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Kynetec, Milliken Ag, Stratagon, and Trace Genomics.