NASDA Establishes Priorities for Next Farm Bill

Thursday, the National Association of State Departments established priorities for the next Farm Bill. NASDA called for enhanced investment in American agriculture that provides producers the tools they need to succeed.  Further, NASDA emphasized that the Farm Bill is vital to providing consumers access to the safest, highest quality and most affordable food supply, which is essential for our nation’s economy and security. 

NASDA’s seven priorities focus on enhanced funding for invasive species programs, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and the Market Access Program as well as robust funding for research, new tools for animal disease coordination, and investments in voluntary conservation programs. NASDA also calls for a Farm Bill that addresses the challenges producers will have complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  

Dr. Michael G. Strain, NASDA President and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry, stressed NASDA’s unique role in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural production across the country.  

 “The Farm Bill is vital for communities of every size across the country and for healthy food, job creation, and natural resource conservation. We are committed to working with Congress to craft a bill that provides the tools our producers need to succeed and provides consumers access to safe, high quality, and affordable food.   

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.  The 2017 Winter Policy Conference is one of two annual meetings for NASDA.

 

Monica Velasquez