Acting Executive Director Hired for State Agriculture and Rural Leaders
Kay Johnson Smith has been appointed as the acting executive director of the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL). In her new role, Smith will be responsible for the overall management of the organization and will act as a liaison between its members and key stakeholders who are interested in the sustainability of rural communities and agriculture.
Smith brings with her extensive experience in leading and managing agricultural nonprofit organizations. She served as the chief executive officer of the Animal Agriculture Alliance for 27 years and, more recently, as the chief operating officer for Dairy MAX. With a career dedicated to agriculture, Smith has a deep passion for the people and organizations involved in farming and ranching, as well as those who support and depend on them.
In addition to her experience in nonprofit organizations, Smith has a long history of working with state and provincial legislators and government leaders in agriculture. She has been involved with SARL as a past speaker and sponsor since 2006. In 2015, she was appointed by the governor to serve on the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, further showcasing her commitment to the agricultural industry. Smith’s career began as a campaign manager and legislative assistant to a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Smith expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, “Serving as SARL’s acting executive director is truly an honor. I am excited to continue to grow and strengthen this important organization that provides a unique forum connecting legislative leaders across North America who are working to ensure the future of agriculture and rural communities.”
The president of SARL, Norine Hammond, also expressed her confidence in Smith, especially as SARL prepares for its annual Legislative Ag Chairs Summit. Hammond stated, “As we look toward SARL’s pinnacle event, the annual Legislative Ag Chairs Summit, we are excited to have someone with Kay’s experience and passion leading SARL at this time.” Hammond also mentioned that Smith will be working closely with Dr. Carolyn Orr, former SARL Executive Director and co-founder, to ensure a smooth transition leading up to the Summit, scheduled for January 3-5, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.
About State Agriculture and Rural Leaders
State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005. Its mission is to promote and foster cooperation, leadership, and educational opportunities among state and provincial legislators who are dedicated to agriculture and rural communities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the appointment of Kay Johnson Smith as the acting executive director of State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL), an organization dedicated to promoting agriculture and rural communities. This aligns with SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger by promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. It also connects to SDG 8, as it involves the management of an agricultural nonprofit organization, contributing to decent work and economic growth. Additionally, SDG 9 is relevant as the organization focuses on fostering cooperation and educational opportunities in rural areas, contributing to industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The mention of the annual Legislative Ag Chairs Summit in Des Moines, Iowa, relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Lastly, the involvement of key stakeholders in supporting rural communities and agriculture aligns with SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
- SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
- SDG 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries.
- SDG 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
- SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– SDG 2.3: The appointment of Kay Johnson Smith as the acting executive director of SARL aims to promote agricultural productivity and potentially increase the incomes of small-scale food producers.
– SDG 8.3: Smith’s role in managing agricultural nonprofit organizations and fostering cooperation among legislators supports the promotion of development-oriented policies, job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
– SDG 9.5: The focus on educational opportunities and technological advancements in rural areas contributes to enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities in the agricultural sector.
– SDG 11.3: The organization’s efforts to connect legislative leaders and promote sustainable agriculture align with the goal of enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization.
– SDG 17.16: The collaboration between SARL, its members, and key stakeholders demonstrates the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does not provide specific quantitative or qualitative data to measure progress. Indicators could include:
– Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers (SDG 2.3)
– Creation of development-oriented policies and job opportunities in the agricultural sector (SDG 8.3)
– Enhancement of scientific research and technological capabilities in rural areas (SDG 9.5)
– Improvement in inclusive and sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning (SDG 11.3)
– Strengthening of partnerships between SARL, legislators, and stakeholders (SDG 17.16)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. | Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. | Creation of development-oriented policies and job opportunities in the agricultural sector. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Enhancement of scientific research and technological capabilities in rural areas. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management. | Improvement in inclusive and sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. | Strengthening of partnerships between SARL, legislators, and stakeholders. |
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