NASDA holds 2026 conference: ‘Deep Roots, Bountiful Future’ theme

PORTLAND, Maine — Around 460 people attended the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s annual meeting.

State agriculture officials discussed challenges and opportunities in the agriculture industry at the event.

“Guided by this year’s theme, ‘Deep Roots, Bountiful Future,’ we hosted productive discussions focused on how agriculture is advancing to meet today’s opportunities and how state agriculture departments can help and American farmers and ranchers overcome tomorrow’s local and global challenges,” said Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO.

McKinney highlighted a new tool developed by NASDA and the National Agricultural Law Center called the Data on Economic and Bankruptcy Trends Project.

The DEBT Project reveals a more comprehensive understanding of bankruptcy trends across the United States.

Highlights from the meeting included:

• Remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s collaborative work with states to support farmers and ranchers on a variety of issues.

• Rollins announced USDA’s new Stand-Up Program, which will provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal and state meat inspection programs.

• NASDA elected its 2026-2027 president, Derek Sandison from Washington, and its board of directors.

• President Sandison appointed NASDA’s 2026-2027 policy committee leadership.

• NASDA announced its 2026 Honor Award recipients, NASDA staff awards and numerous other awards.

• NASDA welcomed 17 NASDA Next Generation students to the conference.