Press Release – 

Arlington, Virginia, United States

Today, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) signed on to a letter urging the President of the United States and Congress to take action on rural broadband extension as part of the recently formed American Connection Project Broadband Coalition. The following statement of support for the coalition can be attributed to NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn:

“In rural communities, internet connection is a lifeline every day, with added urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. As advocates for rural resiliency, NASDA is proud to join nearly 50 organizations in continuing our work to expand broadband access to areas where it’s needed most. We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress and the diverse members of this group to develop innovative solutions to uplift agriculture and rural America through enhanced broadband access.”

Background

At NASDA’s last Winter Policy Conference, members voted to “unite stakeholders and prioritize funding for rural broadband access.” In addition, NASDA identified increased connection as an essential component to cultivating rural resiliency, and members have challenged the next presidential administration to prioritize this effort.

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances agriculture by forging partnerships and creating consensus to achieve sound policy outcomes between state departments of agriculture, the federal government and stakeholders. Learn more about NASDA at nasda.org, and learn more about the ACPBC at americanconnectionproject.com.

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