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.png "Rachel Pick Joins CPDA to Lead Agricultural Advocacy")
Bonnie Johnson
October 22, 2026
Media ArticleThe Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) has announced the appointment of Rachel Pick as its new Vice President of Government Relations. She will officially begin the role on November 2, 2026.
The appointment brings a highly experienced agricultural policy professional to the organization at a time when agriculture continues to face important regulatory, workforce, and supply chain challenges. With nearly two decades of experience in Washington, D.C., Pick has worked on key agricultural issues that affect farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the United States.
Throughout her career, Pick has developed expertise in government relations, public policy, and agricultural advocacy. She has worked with federal agencies, lawmakers, and industry organizations to advance policies that support agriculture and strengthen the industry's future.
Her experience includes serving with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley and holding advisory positions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These opportunities provided valuable insight into how agricultural policies are created, implemented, and managed at the national level.
One of the qualities that sets Pick apart is her direct connection to farming. She is a fourth-generation Iowa farmer and continues to be involved in her family's 2,500-acre corn and soybean operation. This hands-on experience helps her understand the practical impact that government policies can have on agricultural businesses and farm families.
"Rachel brings relationships at the highest levels of government and firsthand knowledge of production agriculture," said Terry Kippley, CPDA President & CEO. "She understands how Washington works and what regulatory decisions mean for farmers and the businesses serving them."
Industry leaders believe this combination of policy expertise and farming experience will be valuable as CPDA works to address important priorities for its members. Agricultural organizations increasingly seek leaders who understand both the realities of farming and the complexities of government decision-making.
Before joining CPDA, Pick played a significant role in federal advocacy efforts for agriculture. She worked on policy issues related to agricultural labor, crop protection, federal appropriations, and the Farm Bill. Her work involved collaboration with grower organizations, industry groups, and policymakers to support programs and regulations that help farmers remain productive and competitive.
She also helped lead discussions involving crop protection products and agricultural innovation. These tools remain important to modern agriculture because they assist producers in protecting crops from pests, diseases, and environmental challenges. Industry groups continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining access to effective agricultural technologies while balancing environmental responsibilities.
CPDA represents companies involved in crop protection products, adjuvants, and related agricultural technologies. The organization advocates policies that encourage innovation, improve regulatory efficiency, and strengthen the agricultural supply chain. Leaders within the association believe that practical, science-based solutions are essential to supporting agricultural productivity and sustainability.
As Vice President of Government Relations, Pick will help guide the organization's policy efforts in Washington. Her responsibilities will include engaging with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, industry partners, and agricultural stakeholders to support policies that benefit growers and agricultural businesses.
The organization has identified several priorities for the coming years. These include improving regulatory processes, addressing registration challenges, supporting domestic manufacturing, and strengthening supply chain resilience. Such efforts are designed to help ensure farmers maintain access to the tools and technologies needed to meet production goals.
Pick succeeds Andrew Walmsley, who previously helped expand the organization's presence and influence in federal policy discussions. His work contributed to stronger industry engagement and greater visibility for CPDA on important agricultural issues. Building upon that foundation, Pick is expected to continue strengthening relationships across government and the agricultural sector.
Agriculture remains one of the nation's most important industries, and policy decisions made in Washington can directly affect farm operations, food production, and rural economies. Because of this, organizations continue to invest in experienced leaders who can effectively represent agricultural interests and communicate the needs of producers.
Pick has expressed enthusiasm about her new role and the opportunity to work alongside industry members. She believes her agricultural roots provide a valuable perspective when advocating policies that affect farm families and agricultural businesses. Her goal is to help advance practical solutions that encourage innovation while ensuring farmers have access to effective and affordable production tools.
"My roots in agriculture shape how I approach advocacy in Washington, where policy decisions have real impacts on my family's farm and others across the country," said Pick. "I'm excited to join CPDA and work alongside its members to advance policies that support innovation and keep effective crop protection tools accessible and affordable."
As CPDA prepares for the future, the addition of Rachel Pick reflects the organization's continued commitment to strong leadership, effective advocacy, and support for the agricultural industry. Her extensive career in public policy, combined with her farming background, positions her to play a key role in advancing initiatives that support agriculture and rural communities throughout the country.
Photo by: Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology
