NASDA: Helping Farmers Plan Ahead is Essential for Biosecurity

At the 2023 Winter Policy Conference, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) members supported creating new incentives to assist farmers in the development of response plans to prepare for and prevent animal disease outbreaks.

The policy item passed today by NASDA members states, “NASDA encourages USDA to develop incentives to help producers develop depopulation and disposal plans to prepare for animal disease emergencies.”

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the importance of supporting farmers and ranchers in their endeavors to protect our nation’s livestock.

“As animal disease outbreaks have become more frequent in recent years, it has become even more critical for farmers to have preparedness and response plans in the event of an animal disease emergency,” McKinney said. “Often in these scenarios, actions need to be taken quickly to prevent further disease spread, and without a plan in place, contamination risk can heighten. We want to ensure that farmers and ranchers who may not have developed a response plan have the resources, information and support to do so.

NASDA stands ready to assist USDA in creating incentives and support for farmers. This action would protect our food supply as strong disease prevention and preparedness leads to a healthy and more resilient food system,” McKinney said.

The policy item passed today also complements NASDA’s efforts to bring together farmers, ranchers, industry and government to help strengthen animal health protection.

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement.