NASDA Unveils Priorities for 2018 Farm Bill

On Wednesday, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture established their priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill.  NASDA’s seven priorities focus on:

• Enhanced funding for invasive species programs
• The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
• The Market Access Program
• Robust funding for research
• New tools for animal disease coordination
• Investments in voluntary conservation programs.

NASDA also calls for a Farm Bill that addresses the challenges producers will have complying with the Food Safety Modernization Act.  Dr. Michael G. Strain, NASDA President and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry, stressed NASDA’s unique role in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural production across the county.

“The Farm Bill is vital for communities of every size across the country and for healthy food, job creation, and natural resource conservation," Strain said.  "We are committed to working with Congress to craft a bill that provides the tools our producers need to succeed and provides consumers access to safe, high quality, and affordable food."

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