NASDA

Day one of 2026 A Taste of the States: Chicago at the @National Restaurant Association Show is complete! Today featured our panel, "Farm to Table: Women Powering the Future of Food," with dynamic leaders from across the food and agriculture industries; Chef Tania Harris, who highlighted women-owned businesses for her culinary creations; and our many wonderful small- and medium-sized U.S. food and beverage companies! Stay tuned for more updates!

"The push to highlight accomplishments of women in agriculture throughout 2026 is a good reminder of the unique perspective we can bring to the industry." As part of International Year of the Woman Farmer, NASDA is excited to continue highlighting our women members! @OklahomaAg Secretary Blayne Arthur is the first woman to lead her department and continues to uplift other women and pave the way for future generations.

During the 2026 Winter Policy Meeting, state agriculture officials passed a new amendment for NASDA to support federal investments in nutrition education programs and community-based initiatives. These efforts can help individuals make healthier choices while advancing long-term health and nutrition outcomes. These investments can support individuals in making healthier choices while advancing long-term health and nutrition outcomes. Read more here: nasda.org/state-agricult…

The NASDA Foundation was proud to co-host the @nataglaw's 2026 Agricultural & Food Law Policy Briefing, which brought together leaders and experts to discuss key developments shaping agriculture and food policy. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney opened the program with remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration, policy and continued engagement across the agriculture industry.

@MichDeptofAg’s Farm to Family Program was built directly from conversations with farmers, food producers and families across the state. MDARD Director Tim Boring called the initiative “a win-win from the farm to the fork,” highlighting the impact state investment can have on local food systems. Michigan’s collaborative approach serves as a strong example for NASDA members nationwide working to strengthen local supply chains and expand market opportunities for farmers. Read more here: nasda.org/michigan-agric…

In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we celebrate women across agriculture who are strengthening the industry. Virginia farmer Maggy Gregory raises cattle and lambs alongside her family, and she helps bridge the gap between consumers and agriculture through direct marketing and education. By participating in programs like Virginia Women in Agriculture and Extension, Maggy continues to learn more on her operation, embrace new technologies and build connections while raising her sons. Read more about Maggy's story: nasda.org/maggy-gregory/

NASDA continues to urge federal agencies to expand local and regional food procurement opportunities across federal programs. This would promote greater integration of local and regional food into public health initiatives and hunger relief programs, not only helping farmers reach new domestic markets but also reducing food insecurity and supporting improved public health outcomes. Read more on the policies and programs that support these integration opportunities here: nasda.org/wp-content/upl…

Last week, NASDA completed a successful trade mission to Thailand through the USDA Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, advancing opportunities for U.S. agriculture in Southeast Asia. Meetings with government officials and agribusiness leaders provided insight into Thailand’s agricultural landscape and export opportunities, while site visits and retail tours highlighted supply chain dynamics and consumer trends. The mission also included discussions with international partners, U.S. industry representatives, Thai regulatory agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to strengthen relationships, address trade and regulatory considerations and identify pathways to expand U.S. agricultural exports in the region.

Access to fresh, locally grown food depends on strong connections between farmers, food businesses and communities. Across the country, NASDA members are supporting innovative efforts that strengthen regional food systems and expand market opportunities for producers. @MichDeptofAg's Farm to Family Program is helping build those connections in its state by investing in food hubs, farm stops grants and local supply chain infrastructure. Learn more about how the program is supporting Michigan farmers and improving local food access here: nasda.org/michigan-agric…

In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, @MdAgDept asked women farmers to share their advice for the next generation of young women entering agriculture. Katie Troy of North Acres Farm emphasized that perseverance and continuous learning are essential, encouraging women in agriculture to stay curious, seek mentors and never stop growing in an ever-evolving industry. Read more about Katie’s story: nasda.org/katie-troy/ @MDsBest

NASDA applauds the passing of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which prioritizes provisions that strengthen local food purchasing programs, enhance international market opportunities, reauthorize the three-legged stool for foreign animal disease prevention and preserve the viability of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. NASDA will use this momentum as it works with the leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee to introduce its version of the farm bill. nasda.org/nasda-applauds…

@IADeptAg Choose Iowa program demonstrates the essential role state departments of agriculture can play in developing community-based food systems. Mekenze Cortum of Cortum Farm and Co had a vision of creating a community-centered farm, and she was able to make her dream a reality with support from the Choose Iowa Grant program. She transformed a century-old barn into a retail and event space that now serves as a local aggregation point for regional products, showcasing how strategic state-led investments can improve access to regional foods while opening new markets for local farmers. Learn more about how state departments of agriculture participate in regional food procurement and distribution: nasda.org/strengthening-…

Last week, NASDA Public Policy Senior Director RJ Karney served as a panelist for a briefing on the current status of New World Screwworm. Discussion centered on prevention and response efforts underway at both the federal and state levels, and risks and considerations related to the ongoing outbreak in other countries. NASDA is supportive of the strong collaboration and success achieved by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, FDA and states working together to address this issue. Read more of the updated response playbook: nasda.org/nasda-commends…

Through the Lighthouse Charities’ Rose Creek Farm community farm and workforce training program, Cindy Trussel works side by side with refugee trainees on vegetable plots, hydroponic beds, vermicomposting stations and a flock of chickens. Through her work leading agricultural policy and programs, Cindy aims to "translate big picture goals into on the ground practice, ensuring policies serve real people and real farms." As we celebrate International Year of the Woman Farmer, NASDA is proud to recognize leaders like Cindy who bring resilience and innovation to agriculture and their communities. Read her story: nasda.org/cindy-trussel/

NASDA supports expanding and codifying funding for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. Investments in infrastructure like transportation, aggregation, cold storage and processing are needed to help close gaps between farm production and distribution, ensuring farmers can reliably reach reliable and consistent markets. Read other NASDA recommendations on how to protect regional food procurement and distribution here: nasda.org/wp-content/upl…

Celebrating Earth Day! Today, NASDA members and staff participated in the 8th Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agricultural Leadership Earth Day Meeting, where they heard updates on the organization’s current activities, state-led efforts and remarks from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The meeting also featured conservation highlights from the Maryland and Pennsylvania departments of agriculture, a report from NASDA CEO Ted McKinney and farm tours. Attendees included @MdAgDept Secretary Kevin Atticks, @PAAgriculture Secretary Russell Redding, @VaAgriculture Commissioner Charles Green, @WVDeptofAg staff, NASDA CEO Ted McKinney and NASDA Foundation Sr. Director Chris Jones.

Yesterday, NASDA hosted an intern lunch where D.C.-area interns met with NASDA Sr. Director of Public Policy RJ Karney and Director of Public Policy Patrick Wade to learn about NASDA, state departments of agriculture and our policy priorities, as well as ask questions. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

As part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, NASDA continues to recognize women whose leadership, dedication and innovation strengthens agriculture across the U.S. Mary Ann Schramm, who owns Peaceful Valley Farm with her husband in Connecticut, exemplifies her commitment to stewardship, soil health and lifelong learning through her operation. Read Mary Ann’s full Q&A: nasda.org/mary-ann-schra…

Grateful to Senator Daines and all Senators advancing these efforts. Continued focus on strengthening USMCA helps ensure stability for U.S. industries, workers, and supply chains. #USMCA

NASDA joined a coalition letter urging Congress to include funding for local and regional procurement of domestically produced agricultural products in any upcoming farmer economic relief package. As family farmers and ranchers continue to face severe economic pressure driven by market volatility, rising costs, trade disruptions, and extreme weather, the groups asked Congress to pair relief with investments that build stronger domestic markets and create reliable demand for American-grown products. Read more: nasda.org/coalition-urge…