WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members updated a multitude if policy priorities surrounding labor, biofuels, avian influenza and much more.
This week, NASDA members voted to amend the organization’s biofuels policies to increase support for domestic and global demand for American produced biofuels.
“NASDA recognizes the importance biofuels play in the future of agricultural production, energy independence and our economy,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “State agriculture departments see greater demand for biofuels as a win-win for their mission to enhance agricultural production and strengthen rural economies across the nation.”
NASDA’s new policy states that the organization supports efforts to increase production of biofuels, expanding the range of biofuels to include renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuels and other emerging energy products. In addition, the policy calls for NASDA to become more involved in helping to eliminate trade barriers to increased international demand for U.S.-produced biofuels.
The policy also reaffirms NASDA’s support for the Renewable Fuels Standard and calls for the organization to support the year-round sale and use of E15 fuel. The amended policy maintains the organization’s commitment to investing in biofuels research and responsible Clean Air Act emission standards.
NASDA members also called on Congress to develop strategies to address agricultural labor stability challenges along with border security.
The new policy item states comprehensive agricultural labor reform is needed to allow access to the H-2A program for year-round agriculture industries, create a pathway to legal status for agriculture and agri-business workers who are employed and provide greater border security.
“Labor shortages in the agricultural industry affect the entire supply chain, making it more difficult for the country to compete in the global marketplace and weakening our local economies,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “Given the range of agricultural production represented by NASDA members and the nonpartisan nature of our organization, NASDA intends to continue to be actively engaged on labor reform at the national level.”
NASDA members amended the organization’s policy to support the implementation of a robust national action plan for the detection, surveillance, response and containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Members also passed a policy amendment that specifically supports the creation of state block grant programs that provide technical assistance to farmers. These grants would be applied to agriculture-specific business development services, effective farm transitions, risk management, record keeping and more.
They also shared support for the United Nations’ resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and members voted to support federal programs and policies that expand “food as medicine” initiatives and strengthen their connection to local and regional food systems. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.
