NASDA Announces New Representatives on Homeland Security Panel

News Date June 11, 2007

NASDA President Valoria Loveland has announced new state representatives to the administration's Food and Agriculture Sector Government Coordinating Council (GCC). The council provides input and works with USDA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal agencies to plan, coordinate and implement homeland security policies related to food and agriculture. 

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson and Vermont Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee will represent NASDA and the state departments of agriculture on the council. South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Bill Even will serve as an alternate representative. 

The Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council was organized in March 2004 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under a presidential directive. The council represents the full spectrum of the nation's food production system from "farm to fork." The Government Coordinating Council (GCC) consists of federal, state, and local governments. In addition to the NASDA representatives, the council includes two NASDA affiliates the National Association of State Animal Health Officials, and the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). Specific tasks for the councils include: (1) identifying key policy issues; (2) identifying gaps and/or needs in programs and activities; (3) communicating and sharing critical information; and (4) leveraging resources between government and industry. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)