Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward Elected Vice President of SUSTA

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) Board of Directors has elected Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward as Vice President. Ward will serve a two-year term. 

As Vice President, Ward will play a pivotal role in advancing SUSTA’s mission to expand export opportunities for Southern agricultural producers. His responsibilities will focus on enhancing market access, advocating for trade policies that benefit U.S. agriculture, and developing international partnerships to promote the region’s diverse agricultural products.

“It is an honor to be selected to represent Arkansas as the Vice President of SUSTA and to work alongside dedicated leaders committed to strengthening the global competitiveness of Southern agriculture,” said Ward. “Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is committed to expanding our service to Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and foresters ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products both at home and abroad.”

Ward’s appointment follows a recent agricultural roundtable hosted by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, where he joined state and industry leaders to discuss strategies for expanding Arkansas’s agricultural impact, including through international trade. His new role with SUSTA builds directly on the themes of that discussion, reinforcing the state’s commitment to promoting Arkansas agriculture globally.

With a strong background in agricultural policy and trade and active leadership roles in both the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA), Ward is well positioned to represent the priorities of Southern agricultural producers at the national and international levels.

Under Ward’s leadership, Arkansas has been an active member of SUSTA, connecting Arkansas’s agricultural producers with international buyers, navigating new markets, and strengthening the state’s agricultural exports. 

For more information about SUSTA and its programs, visit susta.org/. 

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About the Arkansas Department of Agriculture

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/.