by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward has been elected president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) during the organization’s annual meeting. Ward is the first Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture to hold this position.

“If a country can’t feed itself, fuel itself, or fight for itself, then it can’t survive,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “I am thrilled we will serve in this capacity throughout the upcoming year and extend my invitation to the 2025 NASDA Conference, right here in Arkansas. Arkansas farms aren’t just a part of our economy – they’re part of the Arkansas way of life.”

Ward’s term as NASDA president will last through September of next year. He has held several leadership roles within NASDA, including chairman of the Natural Resources and Environmental Committee and former president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward to lead national group