Source: NATIONAL ASSOC. OF STATE DEPTS. OF AGRICULTURE, 4/13/18

Following the release of the Farm Bill draft authored by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, Steven K. Reviczky, NASDA President and Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture issued the following statement on this important first step towards passing a bipartisan Farm Bill this year:  

“In this time of uncertainty and low prices in our country’s agriculture sector, we are encouraged that Congress is taking important first steps towards reauthorizing the Farm Bill.  An on-time and fully funded Farm Bill is more important than ever for agriculture producers, the rural economy, and communities of every size,” said Reviczky. “We are especially appreciative for the committee's work on a host of NASDA priorities including the establishment of a new animal health initiative and improvements to existing programs such as the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. We are committed to continuing our work with agriculture leaders in the House and Senate to get a bipartisan Farm Bill across the finish line.”   

NASDA’s farm bill priorities focus on creating new tools for animal disease coordination and prevention, as well as ensuring  investment in programs for foreign and domestic marketing for farmers and value added food producers, invasive species, research, conservation, and food safety.  

NASDA 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 agriculture by forging partnerships and creating consensus to achieve sound policy outcomes between state departments of agriculture, the federal government, and stakeholders.