State agriculture departments call for an integrated, national response to foreign animal diseases of national significance

[Commonground]

February 4, 2026
Press Release


WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2026 Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members amended the organization’s policy to support the implementation of a robust national action plan for the detection, surveillance, response and containment of New World screwworm and other animal diseases of significance.

“NASDA is grateful for the steps USDA has already taken to protect the U.S. from a New World screwworm outbreak,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “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 foreign animal diseases are elevated. 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.”

NASDA’s amended policy states, “NASDA supports the development and maintenance by USDA, in close coordination with states, of robust, integrated and well-communicated national action plans for the detection, surveillance, response and containment of foreign animal diseases of significance including, but not limited to, highly pathogenic avian influenza, New World screwworm, and African swine fever. Plans could include the development of vaccinations and treatments but must be accompanied by enhanced or improved biosecurity measures and surveillance.”

NASDA member Commissioner Greenberg, who led the submission of the policy amendment, shared that the policy would help ranchers in her state as it encourages USDA to continue to act proactively to ensure there are measures in place to safeguard against threats of New World screwworm. The amendment also requests that USDA work on these plans in close cooperation with the states, who are going to be the primary responders against the disease and pest threats. It is critically important for the livelihoods of Colorado producers that state and federal entities work closely and cooperative to ensure the security of the U.S. food supply.

Combating the spread of diseases, protecting animal health and welfare and guarding against the spread of invasive species are key responsibilities of all state departments of agriculture. State departments of agriculture regulate and oversee animal health programs in their states to protect against an animal disease outbreak and secure our food supply. NASDA is committed to working with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach to animal health initiatives.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.

https://www.nasda.org/state-agricul...ign-animal-diseases-of-national-significance/
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[Commonground]

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sets its federal policy focus for 2026
February 3, 2026

Press Release


WASHINGTON, D.C. — NASDA’s members-led Board of Directors chose five issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2026. They include agricultural labor reform, animal disease preparedness and traceability, the farm bill, pesticide regulations, and regional food procurement and distribution. NASDA President, Commissioner Amanda Beal, remarked on the impact NASDA will have for farmers and communities with these priorities.

“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, where national priorities meet local realities,” Beal said. “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 CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the significance of these issues for 2026.

“NASDA members have designated these priorities as critical to farmers, ranchers and consumers nationwide,” McKinney said. “They also represent key areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead policy solutions and serve communities across their states.”

NASDA has published one-pagers offering background and insight for each policy priority.

Agricultural Labor Reform
All segments of American agriculture are hindered by critical labor shortages, artificially high costs associated with the H-2A program, and other regulatory barriers to a full and skilled agricultural workforce. NASDA is imploring Congress and federal agencies to establish an agricultural labor policy framework that provides a legal, reliable workforce and treats workers with respect.

Animal Disease Preparedness & Traceability
State departments of agriculture, along with other federal and state partners, are responsible for tracking, responding and containing outbreaks of animal diseases in their states to protect the livestock industry, and more broadly, the U.S. food supply. NASDA’s policy positions advocate for establishing strong animal health programs that could save billions of dollars of losses in the future from economically devastating diseases.

Farm Bill
The upcoming farm bill must be dedicated to supporting American agriculture and essential food and nutrition assistance programs. This bill shapes agricultural policy, supports farmers, ensures food security and promotes sustainable natural resource management.

Pesticide Regulations
A predictable, enforceable, science- and risk-based pesticide regulatory framework is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity while minimizing adverse impacts on human health, the environment and endangered species. 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 EPA.

Regional Food Procurement & Distribution
NASDA will advocate for policies that strengthen regional food systems through infrastructure investments, flexible state purchasing programs, and expanded institutional procurement of local foods to support the viability of small and medium-sized farms and nutritional outcomes.

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https://www.nasda.org/the-national-...lture-sets-its-federal-policy-focus-for-2026/