Tara Westington

Tara joined APLU in November 2019 as a Senior Associate in the office of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR). She provides administrative support to the Associate Vice President, Food, Agriculture & Natural Resources (FANR) and Executive Director, Academic Programs Section. In this role, Tara supports the Academic Programs Section of the Board on Agriculture Assembly by assuring the development of food, agriculture and natural resources in the land-grant university system and its federal partners through working with designated administrators of academic programs at the colleges of agriculture.

Tara’s background in agriculture began during her time as a seasonal laborer on an organic farm. The role introduced her to all aspects of organic farming beginning with planting and harvesting crops, to caring for cattle, and delivering farm products to local businesses and farmers’ markets. Tara has also worked for various agriculture organizations in Washington, D.C. such as the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the Corn Refiners Association.

Tara earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from King’s College in 2018 and a graduate certificate in Environmental Policy from George Washington University in 2019. She is currently pursuing a Master of Agriculture degree from Colorado State University.