Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president, as well as the first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency.
AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman spoke on behalf of the association's nearly 700 animal feed, pet food and ingredient manufacturing members across the country, to extend their best wishes to the Biden administration for a successful term in office.
"Our 944,000-strong workforce is the backbone of the U.S. food supply chain, keeping America’s livestock, poultry and pets fed, while generating nearly $300 billion in sales and over $22 billion in taxes to support local communities and state coffers," says Cullman.
“Now more than ever, we need a strategy that will curb the spread of COVID-19 and get our economy going and growing again; an efficient regulatory system that allows U.S. manufacturers to swiftly bring innovations that can improve animal health and nutrition to the marketplace; and trade policies that foster opportunities for growth and leadership abroad to maintain our competitive edge.
Cullman says AFIA looks forward to working together on a science-based strategy for tackling climate change and improving rural infrastructure, including improving the connectivity of the rural communities responsible for keeping us fed in times of calm and crisis.
“Our country is facing tough challenges, but just as a farmer does not give up on farming after a difficult growing year, we will not give up in our belief that we can and will meet these challenges," she says. "We stand committed to partnering with the new Biden administration in being part of the solutions that will improve the lives of all Americans.”
The American Farm Bureau Federation congratulated President Biden and Vice President Harris as well.
“The past several weeks have been difficult for all of America," says American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. "We were saddened by the violence that threatened a peaceful transfer of power, but what we witnessed today is a hallmark of what has made this country an example for the rest of the world. We have peacefully ushered in new leaders and with them new appreciation for the resilience of our democracy. Today, we turn the page, learn the lessons, and look to the future with the hope and optimism that are core to who we are as Americans.
Duvall notes that addressing the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities is important, including strengthening the farm bill, expanding trade and finding a fair solution to the farm labor shortage.
"We must extend broadband coverage to ensure rural families, businesses, schools and health care facilities can compete in today’s digital reality," he says. "We are also looking for partners in our efforts to achieve sustainability goals while ensuring climate policies remain market-based and voluntary. We have been meeting with President Biden’s nominees to discuss priority issues and today we shift into high gear to achieve these goals.
Agriculture, Duvall notes, is traditionally divided more by regional differences than by political parties.
"We urge our elected leaders to continue that tradition of bipartisanship in the agriculture committees and throughout our government," he adds. "Our country faces some big challenges. Let’s get to work on solutions.”
