The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the NASDA Foundation, and the National Agricultural Law Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand collaboration on agricultural law, policy, research and student development initiatives today at the NASDA Annual Meeting.
“This MOU formalizes the long-term partnership between NASDA, the NASDA Foundation, and the National Agricultural Law Center, building on our shared history of collaboration and creating new opportunities to inform agricultural policy, education and public engagement,” NASDA & NASDA Foundation President, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward said.
“NASDA has been a key partner for the National Ag Law Center for many years, and this strategic partnership will further enhance our ability to fulfill our national agricultural law research and information mission. We’re looking forward to launching several new initiatives in the coming weeks and months that will help us better serve state agriculture departments and others through the nation’s agricultural industry,” Harrison Pittman, Center Director for the National Ag Law Center said.
Through this agreement, the three institutions commit to strengthening their longstanding partnership by launching new student-focused programs and hosting joint conferences. The MOU will also create opportunities to further shared agricultural education and public engagement efforts.
Key components of the MOU include:
- Student Engagement: Expansion of NASDA’s Next Generation (NNG) student program and the establishment of law-focused student fellowships, beginning with the Scott E. Fancher Agricultural Law NALC–NASDA Summer Fellowship.
- Joint Events: Co-hosting conferences and events, including a new annual program in Washington, D.C., with its inaugural event anticipated in spring 2026.
- Shared Publicity and Outreach: Collaborating on communications, cross-promotion and resource sharing to expand the reach of each organization.
