State Departments of Agriculture and Industry Leaders Urge Farmers and Rural Communities to Get Vaccinated

Last week, more than 30 state and national agricultural organizations representing state departments of agriculture, farming and agribusiness communities joined together to promote vaccination among farmers and rural Americans. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture joined this effort by signing an open letter that encourages farmers, ranchers and all involved in agriculture to get vaccinated. In addition, the groups utilized an opinion editorial published in the Des Moines Register to share a message about the important connection between agriculture, science, and health.

The effort is in response to the continued challenge of the COVID-19 Delta variant cases increasing precipitously among the unvaccinated populations across the country. Many rural communities have been hit hard by the Delta variant, which has stressed healthcare systems and threatens to greatly impact those we depend on for a safe food system. Agricultural leaders are asking farmers to protect their health and their communities by getting vaccinated saying, “Farmers make science-based decisions every day to protect their farms and their communities – they can make these same decisions to protect their health as well.”

“NASDA members take an oath to both support a thriving agriculture industry and protect the communities in their states. With the COVID-19 vaccine, each of us can choose to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the abundant food supply our industry is so proud to produce.” – NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn

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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.