By Andi Anderson
A discussion is underway in Indiana regarding the future structure of agricultural leadership within state government. Industry representatives, policymakers, and agricultural organizations recently shared their views on whether changes should be made to how agriculture is represented at the highest levels of state administration.
Former Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney expressed support for giving the state agriculture director a more direct leadership role. Speaking before the Agricultural Promotion and Regulation task force, he suggested that the current structure could be streamlined.
“It’s probably time to make that change,” said Ted McKinney, who served as ISDA director from 2014 to 2017. “Why do I say that? We may think that the director has complete autonomy, but they do not. … If you’re looking for efficiency, cut out the middleman. I don’t mean that with any disrespect.”
Under current law, Indiana’s lieutenant governor serves as secretary of agriculture and rural development. This structure was established in 2005 when the Indiana State Department of Agriculture was created.
Reflecting on the arrangement, McKinney noted, “Indiana is unique. I respect the heritage of that,” McKinney told a state panel on Tuesday. “… I think it also had a lot to do with the personality that (Lt. Gov.) Becky Skillman was at the time.”
Several agricultural organizations voiced similar opinions during the task force meeting. Indiana Corn Growers Association President Alan Dunn advocated for elevating the agriculture director to a cabinet-level position with direct access to the governor.
“We believe it is critical that the Indiana director of agriculture be elevated to a cabinet-level position with a direct line to the governor — a full secretary of agriculture, if you will — to ensure that agriculture, as a foundation of our state’s economy, has an advocate at the highest reaches of state government,” said Alan Dunn, president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association.
Supporters believe stronger coordination among agencies involved in agriculture, economic development, and food safety could create new opportunities for the industry. Dunn pointed to a recent example where Illinois secured a pilot production facility linked to corn-based research despite Indiana involvement in the project.
However, not everyone agrees with the proposed changes. Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, argued that removing the lieutenant governor from the role could reduce agriculture’s influence within state government.
“Right now, our secretary of agriculture is … our No. 2 elected official in the state of Indiana,” he said. “I would actually view that as demotion, moving into a secretary position.”
The Agricultural Promotion and Regulation task force was created to review possible gaps, overlaps, and improvements in agricultural governance. Members are expected to continue discussions before making recommendations later this year. The debate highlights ongoing efforts to ensure agriculture remains effectively represented in Indiana’s government and policy decisions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy