Modern Ag Alliance Appoints New Executive Director To Lead Advocacy Efforts
Ag advocacy veteran Elizabeth Burns-Thompson will lead the coalition’s efforts to ensure U.S. farmers’ continued access to critical crop protection tools.
January 9, 2025
Contact: contact@modernagalliance.org
St. Louis, Missouri – The Modern Ag Alliance today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Burns-Thompson as Executive Director. With extensive expertise in agricultural policy and advocacy, she will lead the organization’s efforts to advocate for science-based policies that protect farmers' access to crop protection tools that support sustainable, productive farming practices, our food supply, and the agricultural economy.
Elizabeth joins the Modern Ag Alliance with a proven track record of leadership in agriculture, having championed farmers’ interests across law, policy, and public affairs advocacy. Most recently, she led government relations and policy efforts for one of the nation’s leading farm cooperatives. She has previously held roles with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Iowa Corn Growers Association as well as industry-leading biofuel manufacturers and supporting innovative carbon management technologies.
“I am honored to lead the Modern Ag Alliance at this pivotal moment for American agriculture,” said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. “Growing up on our family farm in eastern Iowa, I know firsthand the dedication it takes to navigate the uncertainties of farming. Today, with falling commodity prices and tighter margins, protecting farmers’ access to critical crop protection tools like glyphosate is more important than ever—it’s essential to supporting their livelihoods, our food supply, and the competitiveness of American agriculture. I look forward to working with our partners to promote policies rooted in science and the interests of America’s farmers.”
“Elizabeth’s expertise and deep connection to the agricultural community will provide vital support to the Modern Ag Alliance’s mission and strengthen our efforts to ensure farmers have the tools and legislative certainty they need to thrive,” said Craig Smith, Executive Director of the Far West Agribusiness Association, and Board Member of the Modern Ag Alliance.
“Elizabeth’s leadership brings a new energy and voice to our advocacy,” added Steve Taylor, President of the Missouri Agribusiness Association, and Board Member of the Modern Ag Alliance. “Her commitment to U.S. agriculture and proven ability to communicate and build bridges between stakeholders will be instrumental to making meaningful progress on behalf of farming communities nationwide.”
The Modern Ag Alliance works with agricultural partners and policymakers across the country to reinforce the importance of science-based regulation. Specifically, the need to ensure any pesticide registered with the EPA—and sold under a label consistent with the EPA’s own determinations—is sufficient to satisfy requirements for health and safety warnings.
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Burns-Thompson serves as Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance, where she leads efforts to advocate for U.S. farmers' access to essential crop protection tools. Her roots run deep in agriculture, having grown up on a family farm in eastern Iowa and held roles with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Iowa Corn Growers Association, as well as industry-leading biofuel manufacturers, farm cooperatives, and supporting innovative carbon management technologies. Elizabeth resides with her family in eastern Nebraska and holds a J.D. in Agricultural Law from Drake University and a B.S. in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University.
About The Modern Ag Alliance
The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of agricultural stakeholders, founded by Bayer, advocating for U.S. farmers’ access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure we have a robust and affordable domestic food supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org.