NASDA Letter Supporting Introduction of the Century Farms Act of 2017

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture commends you for your introduction of the S. 1805, the Century Farms Act of 2017. NASDA believes it is important to recognize the contributions of those families who have provided food and fiber for all in good stewardship, while weathering numerous obstacles over the past one hundred years or more to continuously own and operate a farm.

NASDA represents the Commissioners, Secretaries, and Directors of the state departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. State departments of agriculture are responsible for a wide range of programs including food safety, conservation, and fostering the economic vitality of our rural communities. In nearly half the states, NASDA members administer similar programs that recognize farms in operation for over one hundred years.

We support this legislation to establish a national program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recognize these farms that represent the very best of American agriculture.

Sincerely,
Steven K. Reviczky
NASDA President
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Agriculture

Please Note: an identical letter was distributed to the House.