Helena Products Group (HPG) General Manager Patrick Ewan begins his tenure this month as the Chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA). Ewan enters the role as crop input manufacturer’s face persistent regulatory roadblocks, evolving environmental standards, and an uncertain farm economy.
“At CPDA, one of our key goals is to advocate on returning predictability to the regulatory process along with having science-based regulations that protect growers and the farm economy from unnecessary restrictions,” says Ewan.
CPDA advocates for the agrotechnology community by collaborating with state and federal agencies, providing educational and training opportunities, and developing programs to uphold product standards and applicator safety. Under Ewan’s leadership, the group aims to raise its voice on critical regulatory and policy issues at the national level with a five-year strategic plan announced at the trade association’s recent annual meeting in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Ewan’s message to the gathering of basic inert manufacturers, adjuvant formulators, distributors and retailers included four core priorities:
- Regulatory Efficiency and Reform: pursue timely and predictable regulatory actions for products that reduce backlogs and protect confidential business information.
- Policy and Funding Priorities: secure appropriate appropriations and favorable policy outcomes that support business operations and open market access.
- Environmental Stewardship and Market Access: protect and expand market access through science-based solutions to environmental challenges while demonstrating industry commitment to sustainability.
- Membership Growth and Operational Excellence: strengthen the organization through membership development and operational efficiency to maximize impact for members.
“The four pillars of CPDA effectively bring attention to the difficulties faced by farmers, making it easier for lawmakers and people unfamiliar with agriculture to grasp the challenges confronting the industry,” says Ewan.
Over the course of his accomplished career in the agriculture industry, Ewan has been a visionary leader, possessing extensive sales, marketing, brand development and management experience. His career with Helena Agri-Enterprises began at the HPG Innovation Center in 2016. During his time with HPG, Ewan has been influential in launching more than 50 proprietary brands and maintaining the company’s leadership position in adjuvant technology.
Helena congratulates Ewan on his new role as Chairman. Through involvement with trade associations like CPDA, along with an active governmental affairs department, Helena supports policies that balance the growth of agriculture with the protection of the land and consumers. Visit HelenaAgri.com for more information.
About Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is a complete agronomic solutions provider headquartered outside of Memphis in Collierville, Tennessee. Helena is a multi-faceted retailer and distributor in the production agriculture and specialty markets, offering innovative products and services to improve productivity for greater customer returns. This includes crop protection and crop production products, seed and seed treatments, AGRIntelligence® tools, professional application, financial services, and chemical formulation. Helena is driven by a belief in People… Products… Knowledge®… Through knowledgeable and dedicated people, superior products, and the latest, proven technologies, Helena is committed to helping customers succeed.
