Press Release

ARLINGTON, Va. — Following the advancement of the Agricultural Act of 2026 by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney issued the following statement.

“NASDA congratulates Chairman John Boozman and members of the Senate Agriculture Committee on advancing the farm bill,” McKinney said. “NASDA members remain united on the same goal: we must enact a bipartisan farm bill to strengthen American agriculture and support production of food, fiber and fuel for all.”

The farm economy continues to experience instability, including rising input costs, weather-related losses and trade challenges. This legislation provides vital support to farmers, ranchers and consumers and provides economic growth for rural communities, and NASDA remains committed to continued collaboration with the U.S. Senate to bring the legislation across the finish line.

Background
Seeing a bipartisan 2026 Farm Bill passed is one of NASDA’s policy priorities, citing 12 farm bill issues most critical to state agriculture departments.  NASDA members, the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, are responsible for administering many farm bill programs at the state level on behalf of farmers, ranchers and consumers nationwide.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA engages state departments of agriculture to strengthen U.S. agriculture and allied industries through policy, partnerships and public outreach. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.

Contact Information

Lauren Zajicek
Associate Director, Communications