News Article – 

A message from NASDA’s new Senior Director, Public Policy

Happy New Year!

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I have had the pleasure of working alongside many of you while advocating for policies that strengthen our food and agriculture community. This community always mobilizes to meet new challenges, and I am excited to serve our farmers and ranchers from this new perspective at NASDA.

We are preparing for a year of transitions. Now more than ever, our members need robust alliances in agriculture innovation, which is where most of you thrive. Driving innovation into new technologies and infrastructure is diversifying our approach to reach more people and gross the largest positive impact across this great nation. NASDA is unique because we provide congress with specific local and regional policy solutions directly from state departments of agriculture. Your support is paramount to ensuring the best initiatives, data and network represent our needs on the hill.

We know that the resiliency of our food system, our policies and our mental health will again be tested in 2021. Our team maintains an open-door policy and I encourage you to reach out early and often. I look forward to seeing you all at our virtual winter policy conference in a few weeks.

Sincerely,

RJ Karney
Senior Director, Public Policy

NASDA’s year ahead

As we transition into 2021, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and engaged with each other. Below you’ll find a summary of upcoming NASDA events, NASDA staff policy leads and 2021 NASDA leadership.

NASDA 2021 Policy Priorities

– Food Systems
– Food Safety
– Infrastructure & Capacity
– Climate Resiliency
– International Trade and Harmonization
– Workforce Development

Read a message from our CEO announcing NASDA’s 2021 policy priorities and reflections on 2020.

2021 brings new and continued focus on policy priorities to serve state departments of agriculture
One thing remains certain in 2021. Our members’ diverse perspectives and government leadership roles strengthen our united voice. After all, these attributes embolden NASDA to lead achievable, non-partisan solutions to policy issues from farm to fork. Together at the table, we will pursue new partnerships and challenge each other to find new ways to advance agriculture in the states. — NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn

NASDA Policy Committees

Animal Agriculture
Chair: Secretary Blayne Arthur (OK); Vice-Chair: Commissioner Charles Hatcher (TN)
NASDA Staff: Rebecca Barnett

Food Systems and Nutrition
Chair: Secretary Karen Ross (CA); Vice-Chair: Commissioner Amanda Beal (ME)
NASDA Staff: Zach Gihorski

Marketing and International Trade
Chair: Director Derek Sandison (WA); Vice-Chair: Secretary Mike Naig (IA)
NASDA Staff: RJ Karney

Natural Resources and Environment Committee
Chair: Secretary Wes Ward (AR); Vice-Chair: Secretary Michael Scuse (DE)
NASDA Staff: Zach Gihorski

Plant Agriculture and Pesticide Regulation
Chair: Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt (CT); Vice-Chair: Director Chris Chinn (MO)
NASDA Staff: Zach Gihorski

Rural Development & Financial Security Committee
Chair: Commissioner Jewel Bronaugh (VA); Vice Chair: Commissioner Thom Petersen (MN)
NASDA Staff: RJ Karne

2021 NASDA Schedule of Events

NASDA Winter Policy Conference
February 22-25 | Virtual

SASDA Annual Meeting
Little Rock, AR
June 5-9th 2021

NEASDA Annual Meeting
Hershey, PA
June 13-17th 2021

MASDA Annual Meeting
Lincoln, NE
June 22-25th 2021

WASDA Annual Meeting
Powell Butte, OR
July 25-28th 2021

NASDA Annual Meeting
Louisville, KY
September 19-22th 2021

Tri-National Agricultural Accord
Arlington, VA
October 25-27th 2021

2021 NASDA Board of Directors

President
Commissioner Ryan Quarles (KY)

Vice President
Commissioner Richard Ball (NY)

Second Vice President
Director Doug Miyamoto (WY)

Secretary-Treasurer
Director Bruce Kettler (IN)

Past President
Commissioner Doug Goehring (ND)

Member At-Large
Director Celia Gould (ID)

Northeastern Region (NEASDA)
Secretary Russell Redding (PA)

Southern Region (SASDA)
Secretary Wes Ward (AR)

Midwestern Region (MASDA)
Director Steve Wellman (NE)

Western Region (WASDA)
Director Alexis Taylor (OR)

NASDA 2020 Annual Report

Read all we accomplished through policy, partnerships and public engagement in 2020.