CropLife America (CLA) has announced the appointment of Steve Petersen, President of Gowan USA, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. The leadership transition comes at a time when the agricultural sector is navigating evolving regulatory and policy frameworks in the United States.
Petersen brings more than 35 years of experience in the crop protection industry. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive expertise in agricultural inputs, regulatory strategy, and industry advocacy. At Gowan, a family-owned company founded in 1962 and headquartered in Yuma, Arizona, he has overseen operations within a global network comprising 45 entities across 19 countries. Petersen is currently based in Overland Park, Kansas.
In his statement following the appointment, Petersen emphasized the importance of innovation and resilience within the agricultural sector. He noted that CLA’s advocacy efforts are focused on enabling farmers to thrive, safeguarding the national food supply, and supporting rural communities.
Petersen has long-standing ties with CLA, having served on its Executive Committee for eleven years. During that period, he was also active on the Finance Committee and contributed to several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the crop protection and pesticide industry while supporting American growers.
CLA President and CEO Alexandra Dunn expressed confidence in Petersen’s leadership during what she described as a pivotal time for agriculture. She highlighted his understanding of both the operational challenges faced by member companies and the broader regulatory environment shaping the industry.
The organization also acknowledged the contributions of Paul Rea, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Solutions at BASF, who returned to serve as Board Chair from 2025 to 2026. Rea will now assume the role of Immediate Past Chair.
As Board Chair, Petersen will help steer CLA’s advocacy agenda, which centers on promoting science-based regulatory decisions, ensuring timely access to crop protection tools, and supporting policies that allow farmers to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food in a competitive global marketplace.
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