Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward to lead national group
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward has been elected president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) during the organization’s annual meeting. Ward is the first Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture to hold this position.
“If a country can’t feed itself, fuel itself, or fight for itself, then it can’t survive,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “I am thrilled we will serve in this capacity throughout the upcoming year and extend my invitation to the 2025 NASDA Conference, right here in Arkansas. Arkansas farms aren’t just a part of our economy – they’re part of the Arkansas way of life.”
Ward’s term as NASDA president will last through September of next year. He has held several leadership roles within NASDA, including chairman of the Natural Resources and Environmental Committee and former president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
“It is an honor to represent Arkansas within NASDA and to have the opportunity to work with leaders throughout the United States to continue to strengthen and grow our agriculture industry,” said Ward. “Our theme for the next year is ‘Securing our Future through Agriculture’ because, just like Governor Sanders has said, agriculture is national security and critical to the freedoms that we hold dear. We’re excited to highlight the strength of our state’s agriculture industry throughout this upcoming year.”
Agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry, contributing over $24.3 billion to the state’s economy annually and providing one in every seven jobs. Arkansas consistently ranks in the top 25 nationwide in the production of 16 different commodities.
NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association representing the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. The organization enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy partnerships and public engagement.