The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, or NASDA, held their annual winter policy conference in D.C. this week. MDARD Director Gary McDowell says this meeting is refreshing.
“What I really like about this conference is that even though we’re probably spilt evenly Democratic and Republican, when it comes to ag, we don’t have partisan issues here,” he says. “We always come to an agreement on what is best for the community.”
Some of those topics discussed were about invasive species and disease, local food systems, supply chains and more. McDowell says all these topics have been issues in all parts of the country because of the pandemic.
“In rural Michigan, we were falling behind, and the pandemic really shined a spotlight on it—like rural broadband,” he says. “The list goes on. With local food systems? Same thing—our food system and supply chains are fragile.”
Agriculture’s role in climate change was also an important topic at this year’s conference.
“A lot of people point the figure at ag—it’s one industry that’s unique that we can no t just slow climate change, but we can actually be part of the solution with better practices and helping our farmers out,” says McDowell.
And while in our nation’s Capital, McDowell is talking about planning for the 2023 Farm Bill with Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
“They’re just starting discussions on the Farm Bill,” he says. “Being from Michigan, Sen. Stabenow chairs the farm bill, and I’m meeting with her ag committee [Wednesday] on some of the issues that are facing Michigan.”
To learn more about NASDA’s priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, click here.
