Tracy Lee, Sakata Seed America
Indoor Ag-Conversations speaker Tracy Lee is Head, Controlled Environment Agriculture Department, for Sakata Seed America. This is a major research, seed production and marketing-distribution subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation. The company was established in 1913 and is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. Sakata Seed America serves as the headquarters for the North American operations. Sakata’s objective is to quickly and efficiently meet industry expectations for quality seed and innovative genetics with excellent greenhouse and field performance.
Immersed In Local Agriculture
A native of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, Indoor Ag-Con speaker Tracy Lee grew up immersed in local agriculture.
After completing her BA at Clemson University, she continued on to earn a Master of Science in Horticulture from her alma mater. Lee’s field of study focused on sustainable vegetable production, examining measurable quality outcomes of organic versus inorganic field production in sweet corn, green bean and sweet potato.
Retail and Wholesale Seed Industry Experience
Lee’s resume boasts over 22 years of experience in the retail and wholesale vegetable and flower seed industry. This experience includes management of all vegetable and flower seed variety trials, product selection, and purchasing. In addition, it also includes print and internet marketing to the end consumer for reputable seed companies including Park Seed Company in Greenwood, SC and W. Atlee Burpee & Co. in Warminster, PA.
Industry & community Involvement
In addition, Lee has served as a Board Director for AAS (All-America Selections), NGB (National Garden Bureau), HGSA (Home Garden Seed Association), and the Doylestown PA Food Co-Op. She has also published photography and editorial works on gardening, architecture, and consumer trends in publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Fine Gardening, Fine Cooking, House and Garden, Gardening-Know-How.
Lee currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she’s lived for the past 15 years. Aside from her work managing the small farm, home garden and indoor sectors of Sakata, Lee is also a consultant for commercial and residential clients. In this role, she’s developing small-footprint urban gardens, food-focused gardens, container displays, and gardens for children in the greater Philadelphia area. In her downtime, she enjoys urban gardening, immersing herself in local culture, and exploring garden and horticulture trends.
The Sakata Seed America Mission: To contribute sustainably to the betterment of life and culture of people around the world with values created through our innovative flower & vegetable varieties and through our services.