In this week's North American Ag Spotlight Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Mary Kay Thatcher, the Senior Manager of Federal Government and Industry Relations at Syngenta. Mary Kay shared her extensive insights on the pressing policy and trade concerns facing U.S. agribusiness today. With a remarkable career that spans over three decades, Thatcher's expertise and deep-rooted connection to agriculture make her a formidable voice in the industry.
Thatcher joined Syngenta’s Government Relations team in 2018, following a 31-year tenure as a lobbyist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. During her time at the Farm Bureau, she was instrumental in lobbying on issues related to farm programs, crop insurance, conservation, and credit. She also led the organization's efforts in addressing farm data security and privacy, serving as President of the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator and Secretary of the Ag Data Coalition.
Her career began as a legislative assistant for agriculture and trade to Senator Roger Jepsen of Iowa, shortly after graduating from Iowa State University with degrees in animal science and agricultural economics. Thatcher also served in the first Bush Administration as the director of congressional and public affairs at the Farm Credit Administration, further solidifying her expertise in agricultural policy.
A fifth-generation Iowa farmer, Thatcher’s deep understanding of farming is not just professional but personal. She grew up on a 500-acre farm and currently manages a farm in Iowa that produces corn and soybeans, alongside a cow/calf operation. This unique blend of practical farming experience and high-level policy work gives her a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities in agribusiness.
Thatcher talks about her upcoming presentation at the Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Summit in Denver, Colorado, where she will speak on "Key Policy and Trade Concerns for U.S. Agribusiness." The WIA Summit, which debuted in September 2012, has grown into a premier event for women in the sector, providing a dynamic networking and knowledge-sharing forum. The Summit's focus on fostering positive and productive environments for professional women across agribusiness and food sectors has made it a vital event for industry leaders.
Learn more about Syngenta and Mary Kay Thatcher at - https://www.syngenta-us.com/sustainability/meet-the-team
Learn more about The Women in Agribusiness Summit at - https://www.womeninag.com
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