Woodland, Calif.-based Sakata Seed America has tabbed plant breeder Bill McCarthy as its new associate director of research and development.
McCarthy began his career at Sakata 27 years ago before spending 22 years as a plant breeder for Seminis, Monsanto and Bayer, according to a news release.
“Bill changed the sweet pepper industry with the introduction of high-yielding and highly disease resistant products that have dominated the market in open field bell peppers for over a decade,” Jeff Zischke, senior director of research and development at Sakata Seed America, said in the release. “This includes Double Up, one of four successful pepper products that Bill created for Sakata, which we are still selling today. I am thrilled to have Bill join Sakata as we continue to develop a wide array of genetics in pursuit of enticing products for both growers and consumers. Bill will influence investment, direction and focus of Sakata’s breeding programs as well as providing leadership to our talented staff.”
Dave Armstrong, president and CEO of Sakata Seed America, said in the release that the new position will be based out of Sakata’s Woodland Innovation Center.
McCarthy said in the release that he is passionate about creating environmentally-friendly products that reduce pesticide use for growers.
“Sakata Seed has a vision of sustainability and innovation that I have always admired,” he said in the release. “I am excited to return to Sakata, where my career began, and to work with such a talented and passionate staff to develop more market-leading products together.”
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