Vilsack Officially Nominated for Ag Secretary

President-elect Barack Obama officially announced his nomination of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack to head USDA. During the announcement, Obama called on Vilsack to lead the agency in unlocking a 21st century agricultural economy.

“As our next secretary of agriculture, Tom will not only help ensure that rural America has a true partner in implementing the farm bill and pursuing agricultural research, but that Washington is looking out for everyone,” Obama said.

Vilsack said America’s farmers and ranchers deserve a secretary who respects them for all the contributions they make, and he hopes to be that secretary. In talking about his vision for the mission of USDA, Vilsack highlighted improving profitability for farmers and ranchers and expanding opportunities in the rural communities in which they live.

The nomination drew praise from many agricultural groups ranging from the National Farmers Union to the American Farm Bureau Federation, and from the ethanol industry to the livestock sector.