Arlington, VA

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) met with the presidential campaigns of former Vice President Biden and President Trump this week urging support for its nonpartisan call to action, Resilience for Rural AmericaNASDA President and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles led the delegations for both meetings.

“To build resiliency in our agricultural and rural community, all levels of government must work together,” said Commissioner Quarles. “It does not matter who wins the election in November, our expectations for the next Administration are the same: we must invest in smart policymaking that helps our farmers and ranchers thrive. We are ready to work with whichever candidate wins the election to make this happen.”

NASDA released the Resilience for Rural America call to action in mid-February and amplified the urgent requests in September, with COVID-19 serving as a warning shot to strengthen the resiliency of our interstate food supply system. NASDA’s call to action has six key expectations for the next Administration including:

  • Preserve and expand market access for U.S. food and agriculture products.
  • Protect workers in the food and agriculture sector and increase availability of qualified labor.
  • Prioritize keeping our food safe for consumers.
  • Expand rural broadband access for our rural business and communities.
  • Enhance resilience across the entire U.S. food supply ecosystem.
  • Continue agriculture’s commitment to climate resiliency.

NASDA’s unique, nonpartisan voice also establishes expectations for diversity and inclusion for the future of agriculture.

“NASDA’s policy impact and influence will continue to highlight the diversity of people who make our food system work,” said NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn. “We urge the next Administration to be a leader in shaping policies which recognize that diversity and inclusion is a foundational principal to thriving rural communities.”

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which representants 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.

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