Indiana State Department of Agriculture

A big visit happened in Hebron yesterday!

Hosted at Mixdesign, Inc, ISDA and a group of Hoosier agricultural producers were pleased to welcome U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden for a productive roundtable discussion.

The conversation covered several key topics, including international trade opportunities, improving access to locally grown foods, current and past USDA programs, and the current landscape of commodity and input prices.

We appreciate Deputy Secretary Vaden’s continued engagement with Hoosier producers and for the opportunity to collaborate on issues that matter deeply to our agricultural community. Thank you for the visit and the continued partnership!

Applications are now open for our AgriVision Award!

This award is open to any Indiana resident and to all sectors of the agriculture industry! Any person or organization may submit a nomination.

As the highest agricultural honor award by the state, it will be presented and celebrated at the Indiana State State Fair during the Celebration of Agriculture. Applications CLOSE on July 1.

To make a nomination or to learn more about the award visit the link below:

🔎:

AgriVision Award AgriVision Award ISDA Programs & Initiatives Current: AgriVision Award The Lieutenant Governor's office and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture envision Indiana to be a “global center for food and agricultural innovation and commercialization.” In the spirit of this vision, the departme...

Our annual photo contest is now live! Check out the link below to submit your best agriculture images. Applications close June 30, so don't wait!

Submit your photos here ➡ www.in.gov/isda/programs-and-initiatives/indiana-state-department-of-agriculture-photo-contest/

📸: Setting of Summer
Overall Winner of the 2025 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest
Taken by Forrest M. Willey - Jackson County, IN

Recently, ISDA supported Indiana businesses exhibiting at the Sweets & Snacks Expo!

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is a business-to-business event for the confectionery and snack industries. Open only to those in the sweets and snacks trade, the show is unrivaled in new product launches, business-building solutions, and innovations in merchandising. It hosts over 16,000 attendees with over 1,000 exhibitors and have more than 80 countries being represented at the show.

Do you or someone you know need help obtaining a Harmonized GAP certification?

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is thrilled to partner with Purdue’s Safe Produce Indiana to launch a Harmonized GAP Cost-Share Certification Program. This initiative helps Indiana growers reduce the financial burden of obtaining Harmonized GAP certification, supporting on farm food safety and expanding market opportunities.

Scan the QR code to express interest in this certification program. For additional details or questions, please contact Dr. Amanda Deering ([email protected]) or Caroline Patrick ([email protected]).

Direct link: https://forms.office.com/g/0T8BEzZQkj

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden visited Indianapolis last week to meet with leaders across Indiana’s agbioscience community. The visit highlighted Indianapolis’ role as one of USDA’s hub locations and included tours of potential future agency sites, conversations with local innovation and ag leaders, and time with USDA team members already based here.

This visit also follows USDA’s announcement that the SNAP program will relocate from Washington, D.C. to Indianapolis as part of the agency’s reorganization efforts.

“Indiana is built on strong relationships and collaboration, and this move reflects that spirit,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Bringing part of the USDA to Indiana strengthens those connections by placing the agency closer to its customers and constituents. It also gives our farmers easier access to the support and expertise they need. It’s a meaningful step in bringing this partnership even closer to home.”

Indiana was proudly represented at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, where several Hoosier businesses showcased their Indiana Grown products on one of the biggest stages in the foodservice world.

The National Restaurant Association Show is the premier event for the restaurant and foodservice industry — a global hub for innovation, new trends, and hands‑on learning. It’s where industry leaders come to explore cutting‑edge equipment, discover fresh flavors, and connect with top suppliers and professionals from around the world.

We’re thrilled that Indiana businesses had the opportunity to share their products and story at such an influential event. Their hard work and creativity continue to spotlight the strength and quality of Indiana agriculture.

Did you know Indiana is the nation’s #1 producer of commercial duck?

Our strong agricultural heritage, skilled workforce, and commitment to quality have made Indiana a leader in this thriving sector. From family farms to modern operations, Hoosier producers continue to set the standard for excellence. If you’re looking to bring home Indiana products, make sure to check out Indiana Grown stores for locally raised options.

“The house passage of the E15 bill is a definitive win for Hoosier farmers and a major first step forward for American energy independence. By securing year-round access to higher-ethanol blends, we are providing much-needed relief at the pump while directly fueling Indiana’s agricultural economy, said Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.”

House Passes Bill to Allow Year-Round Sales of E15 The House passed legislation to allow year-round E15 sales, advancing a major win for ethanol producers and corn growers while reigniting broader debates over fuel policy and renewable energy

📣 Exciting News for Indiana Agriculture!

ISDA is pleased to share that Corteva will separate into two independent companies by late 2026 — and Indiana will be a key part of this future.

🧪 New Corteva, focused on crop protection and biologicals, will establish its headquarters right here in Indianapolis with Luke Kissam as CEO.
🌱 Vylor, the new seed and genetics company led by Chuck Magro, will be headquartered in Johnston, Iowa.

We’re excited to see this continued investment in Indiana’s agbioscience sector and the opportunities it brings for Hoosiers. 🌾

Corteva Agrisciences split to keep 1 of 2 headquarters in Indianapolis Corteva Agrisciences selects Indianapolis as HQ for New Corteva, one of two businesses to be created from a split.