NASDA sets federal policy stances

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture set its federal policy focus for 2023.

Seven issues were chosen as priorities: the 2023 farm bill, animal health, environmental regulations, food production and the supply chain, food safety, international trade and workforce development.

“These issues were chosen for the organization’s 2023 focus as NASDA members see specific opportunities for progress regarding each of these areas to best serve farmers, ranchers and all communities across the nation,” said Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO.

“Further, we believe these are the areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions this year.”

NASDA published one-pagers offering insight on each policy priority. Here are their stances.

1. 2023 Farm Bill: The next farm bill must remain unified, securing a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most.

2. Environmental Regulation: NASDA supports the science-based and comprehensive regulatory framework the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act provides to ensure environmental and public health protection.

NASDA stands ready to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in implementing FIFRA, ensuring our environment, including endangered species, is protected and U.S. farmers and public health officials have access to the technologies they need.

Regarding the recently published “waters of the U.S.” rule, NASDA will continue to impress the role of states in regulating non-navigable waters.

3. Food Production & The Supply Chain: NASDA is committed to ensuring long-term stability and resilience in our nation’s food supply chain through supporting projects to increase U.S. meat processing, food and nutrition security and reducing food waste.

4. Food Safety: NASDA will continue to advocate for funding state Food Safety Modernization Act programs because state departments of agriculture are the front line of protection for consumers when it comes to food safety.

State agencies, including state departments of agriculture, play a vital role in implementing and enforcing our nation’s food safety and inspection laws.

5. Animal Health: NASDA is committed to working with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach to animal health initiatives, especially in protecting U.S. livestock from foreign and emerging animal diseases.

6. International Trade: To increase export opportunities for U.S. food, agriculture and forestry producers NASDA is asking Congress and the Biden administration to leverage existing trading relationships, secure new trade agreements, fully fund trade promotion programs and engage with global trade institutions.

NASDA continues to advocate for the promotion of science-and-evidence based trade standards globally.

7. Workforce Development: NASDA is committed to working with the federal government, private industry and academia to identify and address agricultural workforce challenges.

Learn more at NASDA.org.