Sandison Elected NASDA President

Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture is taking on a new national leadership role. Derek Sandison has been elected 2026-2027 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture president. said farmers and ranchers are facing challenging times, making collaboration and strong partnerships more important than ever.

“I’m honored to be elected president of the NASDA Board of Directors and to represent Washington agriculture in this role,” Director Sandison said. “Farmers and ranchers are navigating challenging times, making collaboration and strong partnerships more important than ever. I’m optimistic about the opportunities ahead to advance policies and practices that improve conditions for producers, strengthen our food and agriculture system, and ensure a strong future for American agriculture. I look forward to working with my fellow agriculture leaders across the country to champion these efforts.”

As NASDA president, Sandison will also lead the organization’s 2027 annual meeting, set for September 12th-15th in Kennewick. Sandison was appointed WSDA director in 2015. Prior to that he directed the Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River, where he oversaw water-supply projects important to Washington farmers and ranchers.

Sandison was also an architect of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan and has played a key role in the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Project.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com