Derek Sandison, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director, was elected president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) for 2026-2027, where he will lead efforts to support farmers and ranchers while hosting NASDA's 2027 Annual Meeting in Kennewick, Washington.
- Derek Sandison, Washington State Agriculture Director, elected NASDA president for 2026-2027
- NASDA will host its 2027 Annual Meeting September 12-15 in Kennewick, Washington, bringing agriculture leaders nationwide
- Sandison prioritizes farmer collaboration and strengthening the food and agriculture system during challenging times
- New leadership includes Iowa Secretary Mike Naig as vice president and Georgia Commissioner Tyler Harper as second vice president
- Six policy committees appointed to address animal agriculture, food systems, trade, natural resources, plant agriculture, and rural development
NASDA 2026-2027 President, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek SandisonNational Association of State Departments of Agriculture
“I’m honored to be elected president of the NASDA Board of Directors and to represent Washington agriculture in this role,” Sandison said. “Farmers and ranchers are navigating challenging times, making collaboration and strong partnerships more important than ever.”
Sandison said he’s optimistic about advancing policies and practices that improve conditions for producers, strengthen the food and agriculture system, and ensure a strong future for American agriculture.
As president, Sandison will lead NASDA in hosting the 2027 Annual Meeting, Sept. 12-15, in Kennewick, Washington. The gathering will bring agriculture leaders from across the nation to the state, spotlighting Washington’s farms, fisheries and forests.
Iowa Secretary Mike Naig was elected vice president, while Georgia Commissioner Tyler Harper will serve as second vice president. Massachusetts Commissioner Ashley Randle takes the secretary-treasurer position, and Maine Commissioner Amanda Beal continues as past president.
The board also includes Illinois Director Jerry Costello as at-large representative, with regional representatives from Vermont, Maryland, Ohio and Idaho.
Sandison announced leadership for NASDA’s six policy committees. Nebraska Director Sherry Vinton will chair the Animal Agriculture Committee, while Connecticut Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt leads Food Systems and Nutrition. New York Commissioner Richard Ball chairs Marketing and International Trade, and New Mexico Secretary Jeff Witte heads Natural Resources and Environment. Missouri Director Chris Chinn takes the Plant Agriculture & Pesticide Regulation Committee, with Vermont Secretary Anson Tebbetts leading Rural Development and Financial Security.
Sandison was appointed Washington’s agriculture director in 2015. He oversees animal health, plant inspections, food safety, fruit and grain inspection and certification, weights and measures, pesticide registration and marketing of Washington’s agricultural products. He previously directed the State Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River, where he oversaw water supply development projects for farmers and ranchers.
