CropLife America Announces New Director of Government Relations
ARLINGTON, VA – CropLife America (CLA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Venus Welch-White as its new Director of Government Relations. With more than a decade of experience in federal policy, including farm bills, access to capital, regulatory science, rural development, renewable energy, agriculture, and environmental policy. Welch-White brings a deep and diverse background to the role.
“We are excited to welcome Venus to the CLA team,” said Alexandra Dunn, president and CEO of CLA. “She has an extensive understanding of agriculture policy from her lab, field, and regulator roles. Venus’ experience as a convener of perspectives will be instrumental to advancing CLA’s priorities, American agriculture, and pesticide policy.”
"I’m pleased to join the CLA team at such an important time for our nation’s agriculture industry, which supports both food and energy security,” said Welch-White. “My roots in agriculture run deep, beginning at a young age through my involvement in Future Farmers of America. I'm excited for the opportunity to use my education and experience to help shape agriculture policy in a holistic and balanced manner that supports farmers, ranchers, and the economic viability of rural communities.”
Welch-White joins CLA from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she served as acting director and senior policy advisor in the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Prior, Welch-White was the National Rural Energy Program Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she contributed to the implementation of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Previous experience also includes work at the White House Office of Management and Budget. In addition to her scientific training in biotechnology, nutrition, and toxicology, Welch-White has worked deeply on topics and issues related to food, fuel and fiber at the intersection of agriculture and environmental policy. She earned a B.S. in Biology, a M.S., and a Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences from Tuskegee University.