Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski attended the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Annual Meeting in Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 10-13, 2023. He supported policy amendments and action items that benefit Wisconsin agriculture and served in leadership roles throughout the organization.
NASDA members passed three action items related to food labeling: a standard of identity for yogurt, labeling of plant-based milk alternative products, and labeling of human food products derived from cultured cells. Romanski said Wisconsin is "America's Dairyland," and that the future of the dairy industry deserves truth in labeling. He also said the standard of identity for milk needs to be enforced so consumers are aware of the nutritional content of milk versus other plant-based beverages.
NASDA members also approved a policy amendment focused on increased federal investments in agriculture education. Romanski said the future of Wisconsin's agriculture industry depends on young people, and that there needs to be adequate funding to offer quality agricultural education in the classroom. He also said guidance counselors and teachers need resources to promote the hundreds of career opportunities available in the agricultural industry.
Romanski currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of MASDA and the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA. He said there were many conversations at the NASDA meeting about the importance of a fully funded, unified Farm bill. He said he will continue to work with his colleagues to advocate for Farm Bill priorities including funding for agricultural research, animal disease response, conservation programming, food safety, and trade promotion.
NASDA is a nonpartisan association that works to influence policy that is beneficial for all regions, people, and environments.
Photo Credit: NASDA
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy