NASDA will continue to fulfill its mission of aiding U.S. food and farm communities 

By Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 

Hello Hoosier Aggies! The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) annual meeting took place last week in Indianapolis. It was last in Indiana in 1994 – 30 years ago. 

Who is NASDA? NASDA represents the directors, commissioners and secretaries of departments of agriculture across all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA operates at the nexus of federal and state agricultural policies and ensures that state-level concerns and innovations are represented in national and international dialogues. 

Through policy, partnerships and public engagement, NASDA continues to fulfill its mission of enhancing American food and agricultural communities. Indiana is proudly represented on the NASDA Executive Committee by Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA); and before him, Bruce Kettler, now CEO of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana. 

Since 1916, NASDA has been at the forefront of the nation’s most pressing agricultural issues, serving as an advocate for the agricultural communities and their Departments of Agriculture. Because NASDA is farmer-rancher focused, the primary interface with Indiana is through ISDA and by extension, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) and Board of Animal Health (BOAH). 

On any day, NASDA staff interface with these agencies and many companies who call Indiana home – Corteva Agriscience, Elanco Animal Health, POET, Beck’s Hybrids, Indiana Farm Bureau, all state commodity organizations with Indiana Soy and Corn as but one example, Ingredion, law firms like Barnes & Thornburg and Ice Miller, Purdue University, Indiana’s great retail cooperatives, Rose Acre Farms and many more. 

The NASDA gathering brought together 300+ leaders across all ag industry sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture, share best practices and collaborate on solutions to current challenges. Topics included animal disease prevention and management, food systems and nutrition, climate change, international trade and market expansion, and preparing agriculture for the future – such as nurturing the next generation and fostering emergency preparedness. 

Of note, 4-H and FFA youth leaders were present as well as approximately 30 agricultural attaches representing their Embassies located in Washington, DC.  Thanks for joining as we discussed NASDA programs and heard from a variety of expert speakers on critical agricultural topics. NASDA stands as a vital advocate and unifier in the industry. 

By bridging the gap between state, federal and international policies, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting rural economies, NASDA works to ensure that American agriculture remains resilient, productive and forward-looking.