United We Thrive.
At the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, we enhance American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. As a unified voice representing all 50 states and four territories, NASDA is a leader and problem-solver for our nation's most pressing agricultural issues.
NASDA members champion U.S. farmers, ranchers and food producers by bridging the gap between the farm and policy, representing the interests of everyone in the food supply chain and opening doors to new markets. We look through the eyes of farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to feed and nurture the world, advocating for policies that benefit all regions, people and environments.
Our work extends beyond agriculture, supporting community development, land preservation and more. Using state voices to influence federal policy and make a global impact, NASDA helps agriculture and food businesses of all sizes thrive, while ensuring people from every community have access to safe and affordable food, fiber and fuel.
Ted McKinney serves as the Chief Executive Officer of NASDA, a position to which he was named in September 2021. Prior to NASDA, he was also the first U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs from 2017-2021. In that role, Under Secretary McKinney led the development and implementation of the Department’s trade policy, oversaw and facilitated foreign market access, and promoted opportunities for U.S. agriculture through various trade programs and high-level government negotiations. He also oversaw the U.S. Codex Alimentarius staff and functions. After his USDA service, McKinney was engaged in foreign affairs and outreach involving the US food and agriculture industry and its engagement with the United Nations Food Systems Summits.
Leadership
NASDA is governed by a 10-member board of directors consisting of a five-member executive committee; one at-large member; and the presidents of the four NASDA regions.
2025-2026 Board of Directors
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The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has been a leader in the nation’s most important agricultural issues since 1916 and continues to give a voice to agriculture across the U.S. NASDA works daily to fulfill its mission of enhancing American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. Learn more about NASDA by watching the video and reading our blog.
