“During his tenure as the APHIS deputy, Osama has provided significant support to the seed industry, including the development of key initiatives for addressing phytosanitary challenges,” said ASTA 2017/18 Chair Tracy Tally. “Under his leadership, and in close coordination with the seed industry, APHIS has successfully implemented the National Seed Accreditation Pilot Program for the exotic cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, and a new Regulatory Framework for Seed Health, known as ReFreSH, which we anticipate will have significant benefits for international seed trade.”
Mr. Howard started his distinguished career in the seed industry at R. C. Young Seed & Grain Co. where he worked during his Junior and Senior years at Texas Tech University. After graduating in 1961, he continued full time with R. C. Young, and served on the Texas Certified Seed Board in 1963-64. When R.C. Young was sold to Agrigenetics in 1970, Mr. Howard continued with the company for the next decade before taking another job with Richardson Seed, LLC, where he worked from 1980 to 2010. In 2010, he went to work for his current employer, Warner Seed, Inc.
During his career, he has held a number of volunteer leadership positions with the industry, including serving as President of the Texas Seed Trade Association from 1992-93, President of the Southern Seed Association in 1999, and President of the Western Seed Association in 2014.
American Seed Trade Association
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