NASDA’s Trade Policy & Programs: Strengthening U.S. Agriculture on a Global Stage
NASDA alongside 20+ state departments of agriculture recognized March 19 as National Ag Trade Day. NASDA celebrated National Ag Trade Day, alongside National Ag Week, which seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of agricultural trade, while advocating for the development of new markets to further support U.S farmers, ranchers and food producers. In 2023, according to Feeding the Economy Report, agriculture, food and related industries contributed 5.5% to U.S. gross domestic product and provided 10.4% of U.S. employment, underscoring the sector’s economic significance.
Read more from the NASDA-sponsored 2025 Feeding the Economy report.
Why we’re celebrating National Ag Trade Day
Promoting agriculture at home and abroad is a primary responsibility for state departments of agriculture. To amplify our members’ voices and goals, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture plays a crucial role in shaping agricultural trade policy and implementing programs that expand market opportunities for American farmers and ranchers.
Through a combination of advocacy, strategic partnerships and hands-on program implementation, NASDA ensures that U.S. agriculture remains competitive in the global marketplace.
State Declarations of Ag Trade Day
| State Proclamations | |
|---|---|
| Alabama | New Mexico |
| Arizona | North Carolina |
| Illinois | North Dakota |
| Indiana | Ohio |
| Kansas | Oklahoma |
| Kentucky | South Dakota |
| Louisiana | Texas |
| Maryland | Vermont |
| Massachusetts | Virginia |
| Mississippi | West Virginia |
| Nebraska | Wisconsin |
Gov. Braun Declares March 19 Indiana Agriculture Trade Day
Gov. Braun Declares March 19 Indiana Agriculture Trade Day
“As a farmer, it is hard to imagine that the crops I grow on my farm will be used in products found on grocery shelves around the world, but it’s true. Importers from around the world want to do business with Indiana because of the high-quality products we make. Hoosier farmers should be proud of the role they play in agricultural trade.”
– Indiana Agriculture Director Don Lamb
Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports
Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports
“This record-breaking success for our agriculture, food and forestry companies proves Michigan ag brings high-quality products to the table that are in high demand domestically and internationally. With so much uncertainty caused by new tariffs, these record numbers serve as an example of the economic prosperity we can foster with the right support and a level playing field. We’re proud to support Michigan farmers and producers as they expand their markets.”
– Michigan Agriculture Director Tim Boring
Celebrating Mississippi's Agricultural Trade: Feeding the World and Supporting Local Communities
Celebrating Mississippi's Agricultural Trade: Feeding the World and Supporting Local Communities
“Agriculture is the backbone of Mississippi’s economy and the lifeblood of many of our small, rural communities. Our farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses produce a vast array of food and forestry products. They are not just providing food, fiber, shelter and fuel for consumption in the U.S.; they are providing these life sustaining necessities to consumers across the world.”
– Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson
NM’s food and agriculture sector contributes $45B to state economy
NM’s food and agriculture sector contributes $45B to state economy
“Agriculture trade is a powerful engine for New Mexico’s economy. It supports over 261,000 good jobs in food, agriculture and related industries, connecting our local producers to global markets and ensuring food security both here and abroad.”
– New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte
Agriculture Trade Day Recognized in South Dakota
Agriculture Trade Day Recognized in South Dakota
“South Dakota stands as the cream of the crop in agricultural production and exports in the United States, providing a vast array of products that are critical both domestically and internationally.”
– South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Hunter Roberts
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Declares March 19th Texas Agriculture Trade Day
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Declares March 19th Texas Agriculture Trade Day
“Fair trade deals and new market opportunities are not just important—they’re essential. Our Texas farmers and ranchers are the driving force behind one of the largest economies in the world. They put food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and fuel our economy.”
– Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller
The Importance of Agricultural Exports for Wisconsin
The Importance of Agricultural Exports for Wisconsin
“It is clear that agriculture is part of our past, present, and future and we cannot lose momentum for that future. By continuing to support agricultural exports, we continue to support Wisconsin agribusinesses while we strengthen old and find new markets abroad.”
-Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski
Learn more about NASDA’s recent trade policy advocacy:
NASDA’s Trade Policy
Trade policy is a cornerstone of NASDA’s efforts to support farmers and agribusinesses. NASDA advocates for policies that enhance market access, reduce trade barriers and promote fair competition for U.S. agricultural products.
NASDA supports the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would double funding for USDA’s Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development, which are critical programs for expanding global market access for American farmers. According to an Economic Impact Study of USDA Export Market Development Programs, for every one dollar invested in export market development programs, $24 is returned in export revenue. These programs have seen funding drastically reduced because of sequestration, inflation and program administration. The Market Access Program has not been increased in 19 years, which is why NASDA has been advocating for its funding to be doubled through the farm bill.
The annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord represents a longstanding commitment among the senior state and provincial agricultural officials of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to work together collaboratively on agricultural trade and rural development issues. The 33rd Tri-National Agricultural Accord in 2024 resulted in a joint communique and trilateral meeting statements.
Agri-Pulse Editorial Series: Why the US needs ag exports and what it will take to turn them around
NASDA’s Trade Programs
NASDA doesn’t just advocate for strong trade policies – it actively implements programs that directly benefit farmers and agribusinesses. NASDA’s commitment to opening global markets for U.S. agricultural producers comes to life through two key programs – trade shows and trade missions. These initiatives create direct opportunities for businesses to connect with buyers, expand their exports and strengthen international trade relationships.
Trade missions for fostering new markets
NASDA trade missions are an initiative designed to help American food and farm businesses build long-term relationships in high-growth global markets. These missions provide firsthand opportunities to engage with buyers, distributors and government officials in countries that are actively seeking high-quality American agricultural products while fostering reciprocal trade partnerships that create economic growth on both sides.
NASDA’s trade missions focus on Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the U.K. and the EU, aligning with USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program to develop new export opportunities beyond traditional markets. By facilitating in-person meetings, market research and networking events, these missions allow American producers to establish trust and credibility with international buyers. They also serve as a bridge for educational regulatory discussions on barriers to trade.
In May 2024, NASDA received USDA FAS Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funding to focus on Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom and the EU. RAPP aims to diversify and expand market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional top customers. Gaining market share in these diverse and dynamic markets will help U.S. exporters better weather global shocks and better compete in an increasingly volatile global marketplace. NASDA will use these funds to continue efforts initiated through the Emerging Markets Program with expanded markets.
In 2022, NASDA was awarded $925,000 through USDA FAS Emerging Markets Program. Through this program, NASDA promotes exports of U.S. agricultural products to developing countries with strong growth potential. Learn more about a trade mission to Morocco in January 2024.
Trade shows for state-grown, raised and made products
To support producers and exporters, NASDA created A Taste of the States, a trade show pavilion program that gives small- and medium-sized food and beverage companies an opportunity to connect with buyers from around the world while fostering reciprocal trade opportunities that benefit both U.S. producers and global markets. A Taste of the States was developed through NASDA’s cooperative agreement with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, in force since 1982.
Held annually at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago and the Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami, NASDA’s pavilions provide a turnkey opportunity for businesses to expand into global markets. The program goes beyond traditional trade show participation by offering export readiness coaching, matchmaking with international buyers and enhanced marketing support. At NASDA’s most recent trade show in Miami, 170 exhibitors from 12 state departments of agriculture joined NASDA’s A Taste of the States pavilion. Exhibitors projected $13.4 million dollars in sales as a direct result of the meetings NASDA set up with potential buyers, and exhibitors projected 17.3 million dollars in sales as an overall result of the show. Learn more about NASDA’s trade show pavilions and how to participate.
Keep informed on NASDA’s trade activities
NASDA’s trade policy and trade programs are deeply interconnected. Insights gained through NASDA’s hands-on trade programs allow for NASDA members to have keenly informed policy discussions, ensuring that NASDA’s advocacy remains relevant and responsive to the needs of farmers and agribusinesses.
By combining strong advocacy with impactful trade programs, NASDA ensures that U.S. agriculture remains competitive in an increasingly global economy. As NASDA continues to support policies that foster fair trade and implement programs that create real-world opportunities for farmers, it is paving the way for long-term success in international markets. NASDA’s trade policy and programs align with its broader mission to strengthen U.S. agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement. As the industry celebrates National Ag Day on March 18 and National Ag Trade Day on March 19, it is the perfect time to recognize the role that international trade plays in supporting farmers, ranchers and food producers.
