NASDA National Association of State Department o : 2017 Brings a Century’s Worth of Opportunities to NASDA

For 100 years our members have advanced agriculture by generating consensus as peers in a non-partisan manner. This consensus building has allowed us to leverage our partners in agriculture to advance policy based on sound science. Our 101 year continues this tradition but with new opportunities - and challenges - with a new President, new administration, and new Congress. Here, in no particular order, are a few of the issues we'll address in the New Year.

1. Cooperative Federalism

The United States' new leadership brings forth new opportunity for NASDA to advance a more robust role for states on federal policy making. We feel strongly that states are more than just stakeholders. Our members have responsibilities for implementing their own state programs as well as many federal programs. With enhanced consultation and resources for the states, we can solve a number of regulatory challenges for agriculture including EPA's Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and Worker Protection Standards, State Managed Pollinator Protection Plans, and more.

1. FSMA Implementation

FMSA implementation and funding for states will continue to be a top priority for NASDA. NASDA commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for their $21.8 million investment in state-level implementation of the Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) last fall. NASDA will continue to be fully engaged in partnership with the FDA to ensure successful implementation of this new preventive approach to food safety. The vehicles for this partnership come in the form of our two cooperative agreements with the FDA to ensure proper implementation of both the Produce Safety and Animal Feed rules.

'Educate before you regulate,' has become a key message for NASDA, and we will continue to focus on food safety for years to come.

1. Farm Bill

2014 feels like yesterday but our next Farm Bill is also quickly approaching. Agricultural producers, the rural economy, and communities of every size around the country rely upon the adequately funding the programs encompassed within the Farm Bill. NASDA will establish our priorities for this important farm, food, and jobs bill at our upcoming Winter Policy Conference, January 30 - February 1, in Washington, DC. These priorities will be the driving principles behind our advocacy on the Hill. View our 2014 Farm Bill Priorities here.

1. International Trade

The United States must be in the driver's seat, leading the international trade agenda so that our producers can compete in the global food marketplace. NASDA will continue to advocate for the need to implement Trans-Pacific Partnership. The risk of permanently losing markets for US products and ceding our leadership in the region to China is unacceptable for agriculture. We will work closely with the next administration to stress the importance of multi-lateral trade agreements such as TPP for agriculture-we must continue to press for increased market access and robust rules of the road for international trade.