Randy Duckworth has served as the Executive Director of both the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) and the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance (USIPA), since January 2025. He is responsible for strategic leadership, operational oversight, and reinforcing the alliances' missions to promote, support, and advance the global competitiveness of U.S. identity-preserved (IP) soybeans and specialty grains.  Duckworth is widely respected for his ability to advance cross-sector partnerships, cultivate strong member and partner relations, and advocate for science-based, economically sound agricultural policies.  

Duckworth is recognized for his leadership in managing the first-of-its-kind U.S. High Quality Specialty Grains (HQSG) Program in partnership with USDA APHIS. The HQSG program has significantly enhanced the reliability and reputation of U.S. identity preserved soybeans in high-value international markets, providing exporters, processors, and buyers with greater confidence and market access.  

Prior to joining SSGA and USIPA, Duckworth was CEO of the Global Pulse Federation in Dubai, where he oversaw a global collaboration for the 2016 United Nations (UN) International Year of Pulses and also led a successful multi-year effort to have the UN declare February 10 of each year as World Pulses Day.   

Duckworth holds a bachelor's degree in business/finance and a law degree from Seattle University School of Law. Throughout his career, Duckworth has specialized in agricultural association management and international food marketing, and food assistance programs. His work has spanned over 75 countries, focusing on strengthening supply chains and forging vital market connections between U.S. producers, processors, exporters, and global buyers.   

Duckworth has played influential roles in prominent agricultural networks and advisory bodies, including: 

  • Representative, International Agri-Food Network (IAFN) 
  • Advisory committee member, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research, Michigan State University 
  • Former Member, UN FAO World Pulses Day Oversight Committee 
  • Former Member, USDA Food Aid Consultative Group 
  • Former Chair, Protected Harvest (advancing sustainable agriculture certifications and marketing practices)