Recognized nationally, treasured in Missouri

Since Director Chris Chinn and Deputy Director Garrett Hawkins assumed leadership at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, there has been no lack of attention from the national scene. Director Chinn has played a key role in several White House infrastructure and broadband meetings, and Deputy Director Hawkins has been constantly looked to for guidance on federal policy and regulatory review. 

Recently, both Department leaders have been named to national or regional board and committee positions, continuing to enhance Missouri's reputation nationwide. 

Director Chinn was named to the National Association of State Directors of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation board of directors. Created in 1981, the NASDA Foundation advances agriculture and cultivates other societal benefits by empowering state departments of agriculture. 

She is also the new treasurer of Food Export-Midwest. Food Export-Midwest is a non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Midwestern region of the United States. They have been helping U.S. suppliers of Midwestern food and agricultural products sell overseas since 1969.

Last week, Deputy Director Hawkins was confirmed as the NASDA representative on the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC). His primary role as a representative member is to present the views and interests of the organization and the viewpoint category of regulators. Agricultural Advisory Committee was created to advise the Commission on issues involving the trading of agricultural commodity futures and options and facilitate communications between the CFTC, the agricultural community and agriculture-related organizations.

Showcase your products abroad: 28th Taipei International Food Show

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is selecting three companies to attend the 28th Taipei International Food Show, June 27-30, 2018. Do not miss this unique opportunity to display your products at the Department's booth in Taipei, Taiwan. 

The show attracts buyers from over 100 countries and focuses on a multitude of products from snack foods to fresh and processed meat. Our Taiwan office director, Hank Ma, and his assistant, Phoebe Chen, will offer on-site assistance for the promotion of Missouri products.

Take advantage of networking opportunities arranged by our department, and one-on-one company meetings with pre-qualified buyers interested in your products. The applications deadline is March 16, 2018. Selected applicants will be notified by 4 p.m. on March 21, 2018.  

Click here to apply. 

There’s still time to re­spond to the Census of Agri­culture! 

If you received a Census questionnaire in the mail, please respond! Even if you don’t consider yourself a farmer, the Census is “Your Voice. Your Future. Your Opportunity.” You should return the form as soon as possible.

The Census of Agriculture is the only chance for all farms, including non-traditional farms, to be represented down to the county level. It’s not just big farms, or row crops! Farms that produce hay, horses, cattle, honey, vegetables, fruits or nuts should all respond to the Census of Agriculture. Land owners who lease their land out, renters, greenhouse growers, urban farmers, and anyone who received a Census form should ALL fill out and return their 2017 Census form. 

So if you have received the 2017 Census of Agriculture, please respond. All individual responses are confidential by law, and exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Your confidentiality is important to us. 

Through the Census of Agriculture, producers can show the nation the immense value and importance of agriculture, and they can help influence the decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come. 

The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every individual regardless of the size or type of operation. For Census of Agriculture purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. 

You can respond online at www.agcounts.usda.gov. If you need assistance completing your form, call (888) 424-7828.