ASTA Committee and Volunteerism
From advocacy and quality assurance to education and membership engagement, each group plays a pivotal role in advancing ASTA’s objectives and supporting the spice industry at large.
Learn more about the commitment of volunteering your expertise and collaborating with industry peers. Complete the form below to join one of our committees.
Annual Meeting Program Committee
The Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee is instrumental in organizing ASTA’s flagship event. This group meticulously plans and coordinates each aspect of the Annual Meeting, ensuring engaging content, insightful speakers, and valuable networking opportunities for all attendees. Other working groups include the Symposium Task Force.
Analytical Methods Committee
The Analytical Methods Subcommittee reviews, updates and drafts ASTA's analytical methods. The American Spice Trade Association's Official Analytical Methods provide the industry standard for testing spices.
Science and Regulatory Committee
The Science and Regulatory Committee focuses on the scientific and regulatory issues affecting the spice industry. It works to stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and scientific developments, providing members with crucial resources to navigate complex compliance landscapes. Subcommittees and task forces include the Document Review Subcommittee, Contaminants Task Force, Microbiology Task Force, ETO Task Force and Regulatory Workshop Working Group.
Membership Outreach Committee
Dedicated to growing and sustaining ASTA’s membership, the Membership Outreach Committee actively engages with potential and current members. It highlights the benefits of membership, fosters a sense of community, and ensures that members fully leverage the resources and opportunities available to them.
Organic Task Force
The Organic Task Force is committed to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the organic spice sector. It works to promote best practices, ensure compliance with organic standards, and supports members in navigating the intricacies of the organic spice trade.
Spice Integrity Council
The Spice Integrity Council is dedicated to upholding and promoting the integrity of spices sold in the U.S. market. It focuses on quality assurance, authenticity verification, and adulteration prevention, ensuring that consumers receive safe and high-quality spice products.
Supply Chain Disruption Task Force
The Supply Chain Disruption Task Force addresses global supply chain challenges and works proactively to mitigate risks and navigate disruptions affecting the U.S. spice sector. It provides timely insights, strategies, and support to members, helping them maintain resilient and efficient supply chains.
Sustainability Working Group
The Sustainability Working Group committee was formed in 2023 to help define “sustainability” for the U.S. spice industry. They are working to develop education and resources to promote sustainability in the spice sector.
Crop Report Task Force
The Crop Report Task Force includes market leaders across the spice industry. This group works to develop ASTA’s virtual and in-person crop report presentations. They also plan the calendar, select presenters, and coordinate the success of ASTA’s crop reports.
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee reviews scholarship applications to select recipients of scholarships awarded annually. Recipients are announced during the Annual Business Meeting.