Agriculture

Governor Dunleavy highlighted establishing a Department of Agriculture, building infrastructure like roads and power to farm and ranch lands, and funding research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to lay a foundation for greater food independence and food security.

Governor Ivey did not focus extensively on agriculture but noted the importance of rural healthcare and broadband connectivity, which indirectly support agricultural communities across Alabama's 67 counties.

Governor Hobbs announced a new Active Management Area for La Paz County to crack down on out-of-state special interests pumping groundwater, directly impacting local farmers. She emphasized that water conservation and economic development must coexist, rejecting the notion that protecting water requires sacrificing farms, jobs, and businesses.

Governor Newsom highlighted California as having the most productive agricultural economy in America. He referenced regional economic plans including agriculture in the Central San Joaquin and ag-tech on the Central Coast, and noted the state's efforts to eliminate ultra-processed foods from school cafeterias.

Governor Polis discussed helping the next generation of agricultural producers adapt to a changing climate through Water Plan Grants and work led by Ag Commissioner Kate Greenberg. He noted agriculture is on the front lines of drought and emphasized building resilience for farmers and ranchers facing hotter, drier conditions.

Governor Kemp celebrated La Regina, an Italian food production company in Alma that employs 110 people and purchases local produce from over 100 Georgia farmers, including more than 40,000 pounds of onions per week. He emphasized that 64% of new jobs and 75% of investment dollars are going to communities outside metro Atlanta, including agricultural regions.

Governor Green discussed expanding land use for local agriculture and ranching, protecting critical pasturelands, and strengthening the statewide food security plan by expanding regional kitchens and food hubs. He also highlighted the state's commitment to making local produce more accessible through SNAP matching programs.

Governor Reynolds announced that SNAP and Summer EBT in Iowa will help families purchase nutritious foods but will no longer cover candy, sweets, and soft drinks. She proposed modernizing the beginning-farmer tax credit to be refundable and extend to land sales, and announced legislation to remove artificial food dyes from school lunch programs.

Governor Little highlighted Idaho as first in the nation to ban candy and soda from SNAP, aligned with the Trump administration's health agenda. He emphasized the importance of water infrastructure investments for farmers and ranchers, noting the budget maintains these investments even during revenue challenges.

Governor Kelly identified the water crisis as a top legislative priority requiring dedicated long-term funding similar to the highway system. She highlighted economic wins in agricultural communities, including the Hilmar Cheese facility in Ford County, and noted that the state's Office of Rural Prosperity and broadband investments support agricultural communities.

Governor Beshear proposed $25 million for a rural economic development fund and noted that the state's economic development efforts include bringing jobs to every part of the commonwealth. He highlighted concerns about tariffs and federal uncertainty affecting Kentucky families, including agricultural producers.

Governor Mills highlighted that more than 120 school districts provide locally-grown food from Maine farms through free school meals programs. She also mentioned the state's oldest housing stock needing weatherization improvements, which affects rural and agricultural communities.

Governor Pillen celebrated Nebraska's cattle industry as number one in America and the ethanol industry as number one nationally. He highlighted the importance of ag data privacy legislation to ensure farmers and livestock producers stay in control of their operational data, and introduced the Grow the Good Life Incentive for economic development.

Governor Lujan Grisham's Climate Action Plan includes supporting agricultural practices that make farming more sustainable and crops more resilient, as well as forest management strategies. The broader economic development strategy emphasizes rural communities alongside urban centers.

Governor Stitt emphasized ensuring food stamps are used for "real food, not junk food" and called the marijuana industry a threat requiring voter reconsideration. He highlighted Oklahoma's economic growth including agricultural sectors.

Governor Shapiro noted that Pennsylvania has more young farmers under the age of 35 than any other state in the nation, calling it a point of pride. He highlighted the state's all-of-the-above energy strategy and concerns about tariffs hurting farm equipment costs.

Governor McMaster emphasized South Carolina's agricultural heritage and the importance of conserving working farms and forests. He noted that the state has preserved almost 400,000 acres of historically or environmentally significant lands in less than 10 years, including working farms.

Governor Rhoden highlighted the loss of 3,600 family farms in the past decade and extended support for the Keep Farmers Farming initiative to help with estate and transition planning. He emphasized value-added agriculture with half-billion dollar investments like High Plains Processing and CJ Schwan's, and noted food security as national security.

Governor Lee did not focus extensively on agriculture specifically but highlighted rural economic development, with over 50% of investment dollars going directly to rural counties over the past seven years, which includes agricultural communities.

Governor-elect Davis listed expanding opportunities for Virginia agriculture — including farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and farm families — as a key priority for her administration's economic growth agenda.

Governor Evers highlighted the creation of the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports to increase dairy, meat, crop, and other product exports by 25%, noting the state is on its way to becoming a top 10 state for agricultural exports. He also mentioned the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity and the First Lady's food initiatives including Food from the Farm and Ranch programs.

Governor Morrisey emphasized healthcare transformation for rural communities and noted investments in water and sewer infrastructure that support agricultural communities. The rural health plan includes educating the public about dietary guidelines and physician nutrition training.

Governor Gordon devoted significant attention to agriculture, noting the average age of farmers and ranchers has advanced by almost a decade. He created the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative focused on strengthening agriculture, helping younger farmers start operations, and expanding markets. He specifically called for fully funding the Asian trade office to expand exports, especially to Taiwan, and highlighted the First Lady's food security initiatives including Food from the Farm and Ranch and Grow a Little Extra programs.