NASDA: State department of agriculture leaders build on commitment to embrace diversity in agriculture
ARLINGTON,VA–On February 25th at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2021 Winter Policy Conference, members adopted an action item to build on NASDA’s commitment to embrace diversity in agriculture through inclusion, outreach and engagement.
This new action item asserts that NASDA members will support and foster community partnerships to expand outreach to socially disadvantaged and BIPOC farmers and ranchers, enhance nutrition education, and promote urban agriculture as part of its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and racial equity in agriculture.
With this action item, NASDA will actively pursue partnerships and other occasions to promote opportunities that uplift minorities in agriculture.
“As the authorities on agriculture and food security in the states, NASDA members serve as natural partners to build opportunities for minorities in agriculture with both federal and local governments,” NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn said. “We’re proud to continue our work to ensure all people have equal opportunity to become farmers, pursue careers in agriculture and live healthy lives.”
NASDA’s racial justice statement declares that listening and learning are fundamental elements to developing equitable solutions that elevate underserved communities.
“In our endeavors, NASDA will act with intention to hear and understand others’ experiences to best develop agricultural and food policies and initiatives that invest in diverse communities.”
NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.
