The Specialty Soya & Grains Alliance (SSGA) has named longtime association executive Randy Duckworth as the new executive director. He brings global ties to the agriculture production sector and extensive involvement in connecting producers, processors and buyers.

“Randy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in association work, particularly as it relates to the global food industry,” SSGA chair Bob Sinner said. “We look forward to Randy’s leadership as we continue to realize new opportunities for SSGA members and building creative solutions to our industry challenges.”

Since graduating from the Seattle University School of Law, Duckworth has specialized in agricultural association management, international food marketing and food assistance programs. He has overseen marketing, promotion and research activities in over 75 countries and specializes in linking producers, processors, exporters and buyers or food manufacturers. He most recently served as chief executive officer of the Global Pulse Federation based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Duckworth is a representative to the International Agri-Food Network and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research at Michigan State University. He previously served on the U.N. Food & Agriculture Organization World Pulses Day oversight committee, is a former member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Aid Consultative Group and former chair of Protected Harvest – a group that promotes and certifies agriculture production and marketing practices.

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“I’m committed to pursuing innovative funding opportunities and developing strategic initiatives that will further strengthen and advance the specialty soya and grains industry,” Duckworth said. “Together, we’ll work to enhance SSGA’s role as a driving force for growth, sustainability and excellence in the identity preserved agricultural sector.”

Duckworth’s tenure will begin Jan. 6, 2025. As executive director, his duties will include overseeing day-to-day operations, providing strategic direction and leadership to advance SSGA’s mission and vision and cultivating relationships with SSGA members and industry partners. Finalizing plans for the Identity Preserved International Summit and Transportation Go! will be among his first responsibilities. He said his “immediate focus will be on listening to our members, learning from their experiences and expanding our outreach to both current and potential stakeholders.”

Duckworth succeeds Eric Wenberg, who retired from SSGA (also known as the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance) on Sept. 30 after serving in that role for five-and-a-half years.

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Established in 2019, SSGA is the business alliance of identity-preserved agriculture in the U.S., providing a voice for the industry that delivers traceable, high-quality, variety-specific field crops to food markets worldwide. Its members include producers, processors, suppliers and transportation allies whose work ensures integrity throughout the supply chain.