{"id":1849,"date":"2024-12-09T14:27:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T21:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalfutures.asu.edu\/food\/?page_id=1849"},"modified":"2026-10-27T17:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T00:04:39","slug":"model-usda","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/globalfutures.asu.edu\/food\/model-usda\/","title":{"rendered":"Model USDA"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Model USDA<\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Model USDA is a multi-day simulation for college students in the USDA NextGen<\/a> program. Launched in 2025 by the ASU Swette Center, this conference gives students a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of federal food policy decision-makers and stakeholders.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Inspired by Model United Nations and Model Congress, Model USDA is designed to engage, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture policy. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Model USDA 2026<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Swette Center welcomed nearly 200 students from 30 colleges and universities to the second annual Model USDA. The conference was held at the ASU Tempe campus from January 30 to February 1, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading up to the event, students were given a unique role and divided into six groups. Each group was assigned a policy scenario, which was their focus throughout the three days of Model USDA. The scenarios were based on real-world food and agriculture challenges, and roles ranged from USDA officials and nonprofit advocates to scientists, educators, and industry leaders. In their roles, students debated, negotiated, and co-created policy solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Model USDA 2026: Impact Report<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Model USDA is an innovative experiential learning event that provides students with new knowledge, professional skills and connections to become policy leaders in food, agriculture and natural resources. Building on the success of its inaugural year, Model USDA 2026 expanded significantly in both scale and impact. This report showcases our nationwide growth, shares key outcomes and student insights, and outlines plans to continue strengthening the event in the years ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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