State Agriculture Officials Broaden their Recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill

As discussions for writing the 2023 farm bill continue, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has added direction to its policy advocacy efforts regarding the bill in several areas. Today at the NASDA annual meeting, members charged the organization to ensure farm bill conversations include the following topics:

Expanded funding for local and regional food processing: NASDA members recommend expanding funding for local and regional processing to ensure small and underserved farmers can maximize their participation in local markets.

Water quality improvement incentive programs: NASDA seeks to incentivize state and local governments to invest in outcome-based water quality programs and match their dollars with U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, particularly by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus counts in priority watersheds or regions.

Increased federal nutrition and food assistance: NASDA supports continued and increased investments in nutrition and food assistance programs to address national food insecurity, strengthen food systems and support the overall health of individuals. 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.

Reliable natural disaster assistance: NASDA members recognize the opportunities and risks of the market economy and uncontrollable conditions that threaten farm income and production stability. The impacts of natural disasters have been exacerbated for many due to existing programs falling short in assisting producers recover their production and infrastructure.