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NASDA: farm bill and environmental regulations among policy priorities

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members have determined the organization’s primary policy priorities for 2023.

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney says the 2023 Farm Bill is top of mind for the state ag directors, secretaries, and commissioners.

“We do not try to take a lead on the Title 1 Commodities. Those are reserved primarily for the commodity groups that own that space. Why would we want to take a lead when we have very capable friends and colleagues in the pork industry or the beef industry or crop sectors who should rightfully lead that. But boy, we’re there as a close number two or three supporting them in that because that’s what departments of agriculture do. We cover all the crops and critters as I like to say lovingly and throw in fiber and fuel as well.”

He tells Brownfield environmental regulations is another policy focus.

“We think the Waters of the U.S. rule is horribly misguided and our members across the board, Democrat and Republican alike, believe the federal government is playing politics with the Waters of the U.S. rule,” he says.

NASDA members also selected international trade as a focus area.   

“I understand and respect that President Biden did say during his campaign that he’s going to focus more on domestic issues and far less on international trade. I think the issues involving Russia’s attack on Ukraine have forced a lot more international examination and work than anticipated, but most of the aggies up and down the line are saying let’s get after it. We produce more than we consume in this country and so if we’re going to be profitable for our farmers and our processors, we better be exporting.”

Other priorities include animal health, food safety, food production and the supply chain, international trade, and workforce development.

NASDA’s policy priorities were established in collaboration with the ag leader members representing all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

McKinney says the organization typically updates its policy focus areas twice a year, but that will likely change in 2024.

“We’re most likely going to do the heavy lift on policy once annually, but with the promise that we’ll always revisit focus areas so that breaking events like Russia’s attack on Ukraine can be taken into consideration. I think it’s the right move and our members are leaning in that direction as well,” he says.

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Audio: Ted McKinney