Communications
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| Cleaning Cosmic Crisp apples in anticipation of taking a bite are, from left, Megan Finkenbinder, WSDA executive assistant to the director, Amanda Culp, communications director of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), and Rebecca Allured, Nevada Department of Agriculture public information officer. |
The Communication Officers of State Departments of Agriculture, or COSDA, held their annual meeting in Washington Sept. 30 through Oct. 3. WSDA’s Communication Director Hector Castro served as the organization’s president for the past year and the annual gathering is always held in the president’s home state.
It was an action-packed few days, especially for those of us on the Communications Office team. After many months of planning, it was show time as 75 COSDA members, presenters and sponsors converged at the conference venue on the Columbia River.
This annual event is a mix of:
- Updates from federal agency representatives.
- Workshop sessions that develop professional communication skills.
- Onsite tours to get first-hand exposure to the host state’s ag industry.
- Networking opportunities for state communicators to learn from and support each other on common issues and challenges.
The workshops covered digital communications, such as using social media before and during a crisis and use of live streaming. A panel of news media representatives discussed how to work effectively with reporters and editors.
Other workshops featured using clear language for customer understanding, and two sessions on employee communication. A panel of COSDA members presented successes and challenges of connecting with and informing ag agency workers.
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| Hector Castro, WSDA communications director, looks up from the floor of Easterday Farms onion packing plant, as touring COSDA conference attendees got a birds-eye view. |
In addition, we heard from the president of a consulting firm that works with major U.S. employers specifically to improve internal communications. Steve Baskin, from Tribe, Inc. based in Atlanta, presented strategies for reaching non-desk staff. This is a particular challenge for all agriculture agencies with inspectors and investigators who spend the bulk of their time away from a traditional office environment.
WA ag tours
Of course, seeing is believing, so we loaded onto tour buses to show our guests how ag is done in Washington.
Stops included the Washington State University center at Prosser, where the group learned about cutting-edge research into hops and apple production. As a special treat, we got to pick the famous in-development apple variety, Cosmic Crisp, and take a rare taste.
Bill’s Berry Farm outside Grandview showed how enterprising farmers have embraced agritourism to stay profitable. We learned how this family is drawing increasing visitors with tours and seasonal festivals that mix food, fun and farming education.
It wouldn’t be Washington without a spotlight on the growing wine industry. The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center both informed and satisfied with a wine and cheese tasting and a sumptuous state-sourced meal.
We also toured Ice Harbor Dam on the lower Snake River, and saw potato and onion processing and packing up close and personal.
The COSDA conference is primarily funded by member registration fees and sponsorship gifts.
The goal is to boost the effectiveness of state communicators to convey the value and tell the story of agriculture. Since only 2 percent of the nation’s population lives on farms, it’s more important than ever to help non-farm consumers and citizens understand where their food comes from and how ag affects the economy, environment and culture of the U.S.
The professional communicators who gathered in Richland have gone back to their home states with new tools and insights, as well as a better understanding of Washington’s agricultural landscape.
In summary: State agricultural agency communication professionals from around the U.S. gathered in Richland to develop their skills, learn about Washington State ag, and strengthen their network.
