(NAFB) – State agriculture officials this week announced their priorities for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill discussion.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture will direct its policy advocacy efforts regarding the bill towards ten specific policy areas. At the hybrid 2022 NASDA Winter Policy Conference this week, members laid the foundation for those priorities. NASDA wants to focus its attention on agriculture research, animal disease, conservation and climate resiliency, cyber security and food safety. Other priorities include hemp, invasive species, local food systems, Specialty Crop Block Grants and trade promotion.

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney says, “The next Farm Bill must remain unified, securing a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most.”

McKinney adds that NASDA members are often the officials closest to farmers themselves. As co-regulators with the federal government, they are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions for the 2023 Farm Bill.