Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle has been elected President of the Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) during its annual meeting. NEASDA is a regional body that includes agricultural leaders from ten states in the Northeast, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Under Commissioner Randle’s leadership, NEASDA aims to continue influencing national agricultural policy and fostering interstate collaboration. The organization also seeks to strengthen partnerships with federal entities and key stakeholders in agriculture.
Randle brings extensive experience in agriculture and a collaborative leadership style to her new role. She is also a member of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Board of Directors. “I’m deeply honored that I’ve been entrusted to serve as the next President of NEASDA,” said Randle. “The needs of the Northeast region are as diverse as each of the member states, but my colleagues and I share a common goal of working together with our federal partners to advance our states’ farming economies so that we can all continue to advocate for a robust and resilient agricultural sector in our region.”
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney commented on Randle’s election: “Commissioner Randle’s election as NEASDA President is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership and deep commitment to agricultural advancement.” He noted her strategic policy insight and collaborative style position her well to address challenges and opportunities in the region.
Additionally, Randle was re-elected for another term as Board Secretary/Treasurer at Food Export-Northeast. This nonprofit organization assists Northeastern state agricultural promotion agencies alongside the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
The annual NEASDA Regional Meeting is an important event for discussions on labor, trade, farmland protection, food safety, climate change, and food security. Participants engage through educational tours showcasing local agricultural businesses.
As President, Randle will lead the next Regional Meeting scheduled for June 2026 in Amherst, Massachusetts. This event will highlight Massachusetts’ agricultural businesses for delegates from member states.
Further information about Commissioner Randle can be found on MDAR’s website.
