International leaders visit to strengthen farm trade
Arkansas recently welcomed a distinguished delegation of 33 international agricultural attachés representing 24 countries as part of the 2025 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Annual Meeting. The attachés came from nations including Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, highlighting the event’s global reach.
“Arkansas is one of the top farming states and the nation’s leading rice producer,” said Governor Sanders. “Meeting with some of the best and brightest agricultural leaders from around the world was an opportunity to share ideas, strengthen trade, and highlight the role Arkansas farmers play in feeding the world. It’s conversations like these that help farmers enter new markets, help countries reduce dependence on China, and ensure Arkansas agriculture remains a global leader.”
“We were honored to welcome this distinguished group to Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Arkansas’s farmers, agribusinesses, and research institutions while building stronger connections with international markets.”
Throughout the week, the delegation toured leading agricultural and food industry sites. Stops included Walmart and Tyson Foods headquarters, the Market Center of the Ozarks, and the University of Arkansas facilities such as the Freight Farm Project, food science laboratory, Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences.
The group also participated in discussions with stakeholders at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture in Little Rock and visited Isbell Farms to learn about rice production and global trade opportunities.
This international visit demonstrated Arkansas’s strong agricultural production, advanced research, and innovation. By sharing ideas and fostering collaboration, Arkansas continues to strengthen its role as a key player in global agriculture and trade.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo