For more information:
Kirsten Hollansworth, Public Engagement Specialist
kirsten.hollansworth@ag.ok.gov | 405.862.8496
February 12, 2024
Sec. Arthur Represents Oklahoma at National Agriculture Policy Conference
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur is back in Oklahoma following a productive week at the NASDA 2024 Winter Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Arthur, who is the President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, led meetings and discussions about agricultural policies that impact Oklahomans, as well as the rest of the United States.
“Ag policy is incredibly important for all of our farmers and ranchers,” Arthur said. “The chance to sit around the table and carry forward a message from our home states to the federal level will hopefully have a positive impact on ag policy.”
One of the biggest policy priorities discussed at the conference was the passage of a unified farm bill. An updated bill is critical to farmers, the rural economy, and communities of every size. The bill must ensure that farmers have a reliable safety net and consumers have access to safe and affordable food.
“There’s a lot of opportunity in the farm bill to bring priority to ag research and animal health,” Arthur said. “Another big piece that we’ve worked on in Oklahoma is supporting local producers to have more resiliency in the food supply chain.”
In addition to the farm bill, Arthur and NASDA members discussed many other policies including pesticide regulation, food safety, animal health, and farm labor.
Arthur’s visit to Washington also included a trip to Capitol Hill where she delivered Oklahoma’s policy priorities to legislators including U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, and staff members for U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice and U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen.
“I’m always very happy to discuss our state’s agricultural priorities with legislators,” Arthur said. “Oklahoma is full of wonderful farmers and ranchers who make it very easy to advocate on their behalf. It was a productive week and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the coming months.”
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