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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 1/18/22 NASDA members, the
state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, hand-selected
nine issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2022. They
include the 2023 Farm Bill, animal
health, climate
resiliency, food
safety, the food
and production supply chain, infrastructure, international
trade, workforce
development and defining “waters of the United States.”
“These issues were chosen for NASDA’s 2022 focus, as these are the areas state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions. Most importantly, our members see these issues as priorities we must address to best serve the farmers, ranchers and communities in their states.” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.
Food supply chain issues, animal health, the 2023 Farm Bill and defining WOTUS
are not new issues to NASDA, but the organization is giving heighted attention
to these areas in 2022.
McKinney noted the particular importance of finding solutions to supply chain
disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Food supply chain disruptions compound challenges the industry already faces, and undulating demand and market prices for food and materials have created difficulties for farmers, ranchers, food processors and consumers alike. NASDA members will continue to use their unique influence across all areas of the food system to advocate for policies and forge partnerships that meet the current and local food supply needs of their states,” McKinney said.
COVID-19 also spotlights the importance of a protecting animal health. State
departments of agriculture regulate and oversee animal health programs in the
states, while also serving as the first line of defense against animal disease
outbreaks.
“An outbreak of a foreign animal disease, like African Swine Fever, could cripple the entire agricultural sector with long-lasting ramifications for the economic viability of U.S. livestock production,” McKinney said. “NASDA is committed to working with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders to foster a collaborative, One Health approach to protecting the health of animals, people and the environment.”
Carrying over priorities from 2021, NASDA will continue to support the creation
of new free trade agreements, the expansion of broadband access and voluntary
and incentive-based climate smart agricultural programs. NASDA will continue to
seek full funding to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act while working
with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and states to effectively implement
FSMA. NASDA also remains steadfast in its belief that by investing in
people and workforce development systems, the industry can make the path to
agriculture employment straightforward for our producers and a promising choice
for workers.
NASDA will announce its policy priorities specific to the 2023 Farm Bill in the
coming weeks.
Read more about NASDA’s policy work at NASDA.org/policy and
join NASDA for live discussions on all its policy priorities at the NASDA
Winter Policy Conference this February.
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