Washington Agriculture Director Derek Sandison elected President of National Association of State Departments of Agriculture

Sandison will lead NASDA’s board of directors during 2026–27 and bring national agriculture leaders to Washington for the organization’s 2027 annual meeting

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Director Derek Sandison has been elected president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) for 2026–27, a significant national leadership role representing state agriculture leaders from across the country.

Sandison was elected by his fellow NASDA members during the organization’s annual meeting in Portland, Maine. As president, he will lead NASDA’s Board of Directors and help guide the organization’s work on issues important to farmers, ranchers and the broader agriculture and food system.

“It is a tremendous honor to be elected president of the NASDA Board of Directors and to represent Washington agriculture in this role,” Sandison said. “Agriculture is a vital part of communities across the country, and state agriculture departments play an important role in supporting producers and strengthening our food system. I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the nation to advance practical solutions and opportunities for American agriculture.”

Founded in 1916, NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association representing the commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture from all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA provides a forum for state agriculture leaders to work together on policy, partnerships and priorities affecting agriculture, food and rural communities nationwide.

Sandison has served as director of WSDA since 2015. Under his leadership, the department oversees programs supporting Washington’s agricultural economy, including food safety, animal health, plant protection, pesticide regulation, commodity inspection, weights and measures, and the promotion of Washington agricultural products in domestic and international markets.

Sandison’s term as NASDA president will also bring the organization’s annual meeting to Washington. The 2027 NASDA Annual Meeting will be held Sept. 12–15 in Kennewick, Washington, providing an opportunity for agriculture leaders from across the country to experience Washington’s diverse and innovative agricultural industry.

“Washington is home to an extraordinary agricultural industry, from our tree fruit and wine grapes to wheat, potatoes, dairy, , beef, seafood and many other commodities,” Sandison said. “We’re excited to welcome our NASDA colleagues to Washington and showcase the farmers, ranchers, producers and communities that make our state such an important part of American agriculture.”

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