The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation to serve the U.S. Department of Agriculture as deputy secretary.
“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh brings unique experience to USDA from her time serving as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn said. “Deputy Secretary Bronaugh deeply understands how agricultural and food policies work at the farm and community level, and her expertise will benefit American agriculture and all who rely on our food systems.”
NASDA President Dr. Ryan Quarles also congratulated Bronaugh saying, “I know Deputy Secretary Bronaugh will work hard on behalf of the American people, and I look forward to continuing to work with her as we advocate for farm families across the nation.”
NASDA has been a strong supporter of Bronaugh’s nomination since President Biden’s announcement. NASDA spoke out publicly to support her nomination and led the construction of an industry-wide letter to encourage her confirmation.
While serving as a NASDA member, Bronaugh pioneered the development of mental health services for farmers in her state and across the U.S., establishing the Farmer Stress Task Force in 2019 and serving as NASDA’s Rural Development & Financial Security Committee chair over the past year.
In addition, Bronaugh has championed Virginia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has worked in lockstep with state agriculture departments across the country to ensure America has a strong recovery from the pandemic.
NASDA thanks President Biden and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for selecting Commissioner Bronaugh for this honorable position and for recognizing state department of agriculture leaders as important and informed voices on agriculture policy and regulation.
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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 fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.
