We welcome three new employees who began their work with MCIA in September!

Kristen Adams has joined the Organic Services department as an organic certification specialist/inspector. Kristen grew up on a diversified dairy farm and later co-owned and operated a dairy herd in southwest Wisconsin. Kristen completed her B.S. in fine arts from Viterbo University. Kristen’s past work experience includes several years in the employ of MOSA, beginning as a certification specialist/staff inspector and later as director of Certification Services. Kristen was recognized by the National Organic Program with their Director’s Award in 2022 and 2023. Prior to her employment with MOSA, Kristen was the manager of Organic Valley’s Milky Way Café. She has also served on the board of the Domestic Fair Trade Association.

Sean Manzano-Rabbitt was hired by the Seed Laboratory as a seed technologist. Sean majored in horticultural sciences and minored in computer science, earning a B.S. from the University of Minnesota. In his role as a research assistant at the Horticultural Science Fruit Lab and Research Center, Sean prepared samples for DNA extraction, analyzed phenolics in freshly harvested grapes, and used paper chromatography to track the malolactic acid fermentation in wines. Sean chose to return to his agricultural roots after working as a technology consultant at Accenture following his graduation. Most recently, Sean was employed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s seed laboratory as a seasonal seed analyst.

Amy Olson has also joined the Seed Laboratory as a seed technologist. Amy holds a B.S. in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin—River Falls. Her work experience includes the position of associate scientist at the commercial seed laboratory Eurofins BioDiagnostics, work at Eisele Greenhouse in Lakeville as a wholesale grower, and a horticulture internship at Normandale Community College. Amy has used AOSA, ISTA, and Canada M&P seed testing protocols. She has also been involved in planting samples and preparing and evaluating seed for TZ analysis, and she has participated in the referee testing and proficiency exams.