Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture adopted policy today at NASDA’s Winter Policy Conference to increase advocacy for farm safety and minimize injury to those who work in the agriculture industry.
The new policy marks the first policy dedicated specifically to farm safety. It states, “NASDA supports initiatives for comprehensive outreach and education to the agriculture community, farm owners and farmworkers to reduce the number of agriculture-related injuries and fatalities.”
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney shared his thoughts on the need to increase outreach and education efforts to ensure farmers are staying safe and healthy.
“Taking care of our farmers and farmworkers’ health and wellbeing is always our highest priority,” McKinney said. “From my own experiences growing up on a farm, I can affirm that improving farm safety is critical for all agricultural sectors, which is why we believe it is important to elevate this issue.”
On-farm jobs in the agriculture industry can be dangerous, especially those that require operating heavy equipment. According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, the farming, fishing and ranching sector had the highest rate of injury and fatality in 2022 and ranks as one the most dangerous occupations.
“We look forward to bringing states, federal agencies and industry together to serve farmers and ranchers, as effective farm safety training benefits everyone,” McKinney said.
