NASDA sets policy priorities for 2026
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) held its 2026 Winter Policy Conference Feb. 2-4, where commissioners, secretaries, directors of agriculture, federal agencies, Congressional leaders and industry stakeholders from around the nation gathered to discuss pressing agricultural and food policy issues.
During the conference, NASDA’s member-led Board of Directors adopted nine policy amendments and two action items and identified five policy priorities for the upcoming year, including the farm bill, pesticide regulations, agricultural labor reform, animal disease preparedness and traceability and regional food procurement and distribution.
“As the nonpartisan, member-led association representing state departments of agriculture, we sit at a unique intersection where federal policy meets on-the-ground implementation and national priorities meet local realities,” states Amanda Beal, NASDA president and commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, in a Feb. 3 press release. “These priorities are grounded in what works, what farmers need and what states know. We will work urgently to address the opportunities these policy priorities represent.”
NASDA Chief Executive Officer Ted McKinney further remarks, “NASDA members have designated these priorities as critical to farmers, ranchers and consumers nationwide. They also represent key areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead policy solutions and serve communities across their states.”
The farm bill
The farm bill was on NASDA’s docket of priorities again this year, and because the legislation is important in shaping agricultural policy which supports farmers, ensures food security and promotes sustainable natural resource management, NASDA is urging lawmakers to recognize the diverse needs of producers and rural communities as farm bill negotiations continue.
During the 2026 Winter Policy Conference, the organization highlighted the importance of risk management tools – particularly crop insurance options to meet the needs of specialty crop growers and diversified operations – and amended policy to call for affordable, accessible crop insurance products with simplified processes and payout structures to encourage participation from small and medium-sized farms.
“Growers have shared with state agencies the complexity of current crop insurance programs excludes or dissuades specialty crop growers from applying for insurance,” Beal notes. “At a time when farmers are facing a tough and unpredictable economy, additional certainty for farm operations provided by insurance would offer significant help.”
“NASDA supports federal crop insurance changes which would address not only the resources of insurance products, but also the ease of access and implementation,” she adds.
Pesticide regulations
Pesticide regulations are another reoccurring priority for NASDA this year, with the agency noting it will continue to support a science- and risk-based pesticide regulatory framework that maintains agricultural productivity and protects human health and the environment.
“To this end, NASDA supports state primacy in the enforcement of pesticide activities under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and calls on Congress for appropriate and sustained funding for state lead agencies as co-regulatory partners with the Environmental Protection Agency,” NASDA says.
Agricultural labor reform
Labor availability continues to be a major concern for all sectors of the ag industry and a priority for NASDA, which is urging Congress and federal agencies to pursue reform providing the industry with a legal, reliable workforce while simultaneously addressing regulatory barriers and rising costs associated with the H-2A visa program.
According to NASDA, labor shortages and program inefficiencies have created challenges for producers who already face tight margins and rising input costs. Therefore, the organization is calling for an ag labor framework to balance workforce stability with worker protections.
Animal disease preparedness, traceability
Animal health has also been top of mind for many in the agriculture industry, especially as the threat of foreign animal disease (FAD) and emerging pests continue to grow.
One of the five priorities outlined by NASDA for 2026 is advocating for strong animal disease preparedness and traceability programs to support early detection, rapid response and effective containment.
In a separate press release published on Feb. 4, NASDA notes robust animal health systems could save billions of dollars by preventing economically devastating disease outbreaks.
At the 2026 Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members amended policy to support the development of integrated, national action plans for diseases of national significance including highly pathogenic avian influenza, African swine fever and New World screwworm.
The amendment also requests close coordination between states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures and the development of vaccines and other treatments where appropriate.
“Going forward, continued swift, collective action across levels of government is necessary for response plans to remain effective and consistent as needs to address the prevention of FADs are elevated,” McKinney says. “NASDA is advocating for the development of a standing national action plan for all animal diseases of significance to specifically include state agriculture departments as partners.”
Regional food procurement, distribution
Strengthening regional food systems is another key priority for NASDA in 2026.
The organization says it is advocating for policies supporting infrastructure investments, flexible state purchasing programs and expanded institutional procurement of locally-produced foods.
At the Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members amended policy to encourage federal investment in nationwide nutrition education programs tied to food assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“State agriculture departments work to ensure their local communities are healthy and thriving with a safe, affordable and nutritious food supply, and nutrition education is a key component to helping accomplish this goal,” Beal says.
The agency also amended policy calling on USDA to create additional pathways allowing meat and poultry products from state-inspected facilities to be sold across state lines, provided inspection standards are “at least equal to” federal requirements.
“One of state agriculture departments’ most critical roles is safeguarding the nation’s food supply, detecting and preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses and supporting small and medium-sized producers,” McKinney states. “With our ability to conduct inspections on behalf of the federal government – saving federal resources – paired with our close relationships with local processors, we have a unique opportunity to efficiently help small and medium-sized processors expand their markets regionally.”
He adds, “Allowing meat and poultry products from state-inspected meat processors to be sold in interstate commerce is a win-win for everyone, providing more market opportunities for small businesses, more options for consumers and saves federal resources.”
Emerging technology
In addition to its five primary priorities for 2026, NASDA members amended policy to encourage collaboration between USDA and public research institutions on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for agriculture.
NASDA says increased cooperation and research investments could help farmers and ranchers identify emerging technologies to improve efficiency, stewardship and economic viability.
“To best serve farmers, ranchers and consumers, it is imperative USDA and land-grant universities invest in helping the agricultural community take advantage of rapidly accelerating technologies such as AI tools,” McKinney states.
“The agriculture industry relies on a foundation of robust, evidence-based research to make decisions, solve challenges and develop innovative solutions across all sectors. Greater coordination between USDA and public research institutions will be critical for ensuring producers and consumers are able to benefit from the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology,” he concludes.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
