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NASDA members adopt 2023-2024 policies

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members voted on and approved policy during its 2023 business meeting in Cheyenne, Wyoming this week.

NASDA members voted to protect farmers’ right to farm, a new policy that supports laws that safeguard agricultural operations and facilities from nuisance lawsuits.

Members also approved an item that calls for the establishment of regulatory frameworks for distinguished labeling of cell-based meat, poultry, and seafood products. The policy encourages USDA to analyze the cellular and nutritional properties of these products and label the differences.

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney tells Brownfield, “I think of the policy decisions that we made all passed unanimously and all came from different committees,” he said. “I think it’s a powerful statement that NASDA can discuss policy, even difficult issues, and yet still come together.”

Other policy items included federal disaster relief for farms impacted by catastrophic events, and the investment in apprenticeship programs and ag literacy to help ensure a future agricultural workforce.