Sandison Takes Helm of National Agriculture Group

Washington State Director of Agriculture Derek Sandison has become president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Agriculture

Isometric editorial illustration of concrete grain silos, a conveyor arm, and a rail spur rising from flat wheat fields, evoking state agricultural infrastructure. — Derek Sandison, Washington State Director of Agriculture, has become president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, which advocates on the Farm Bill and animal disease preparedness. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Washington State Director of Agriculture Derek Sandison is now president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). The group advocates on the Farm Bill, animal disease and preparedness, and the continued safe use of plant protection products.

Why it matters

NASDA's agenda includes the 2018 Farm Bill, which has not yet been renewed, and its work with agriculture ministers in Canada and agriculture secretaries in Mexico under U.S.M.C.A. places state-level priorities in national and trade discussions. Washington's agricultural interests are therefore directly tied to federal and North American policy debates.

The current Farm Bill was enacted in 2018 and is now overdue for renewal. The source does not provide further quantitative metrics on NASDA's programs or budget.

The players

Derek Sandison

Derek Sandison is the Washington State Director of Agriculture and head of the state's agriculture department, overseeing farm policy and regulation within the state.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)

NASDA is a national organization representing the state departments of agriculture across the United States, advocating on federal farm policy, animal health, and pesticide regulation.

The details

Derek Sandison, who serves as Washington State Director of Agriculture, has taken over as president of NASDA. In that role, the association conducts advocacy in Washington, D.C., and across the country, and works with Canadian and Mexican agriculture officials on U.S.M.C.A. issues.

2018: Current Farm Bill enacted, now overdue for renewal.
November 1, 2026: Sandison's NASDA presidency reported in publication.

Market Landscape

The 2018 Farm Bill remains unrenewed, leaving state agriculture departments to press Congress on overdue federal farm policy. NASDA's engagement with Canadian and Mexican agriculture officials under U.S.M.C.A. places state-level concerns within the broader North American trade framework.

Washington farmers and agricultural businesses may see the outcome of the overdue Farm Bill renewal shape federal programs and trade rules affecting their operations. Advocacy led by the state's agriculture director through NASDA will influence those decisions.

The takeaway

State agriculture leaders are increasingly shaping national farm and trade policy, so local farm operators should track Farm Bill and U.S.M.C.A. developments that affect their markets.