The U.S. Senate confirmed Tom Vilsack’s nomination with a bipartisan 92-7 vote.
As head of the department of agriculture, Vilsack, 70, will oversee the Biden administration’s effort to introduce climate-friendly food production practices, as well as be responsible for implementing enhanced food assistance programs Biden has championed to help struggling Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) congratulates Secretary Tom Vilsack for his second term leading the USDA.
“On behalf of our nearly 700 members in the U.S. animal food industry, we extend our congratulations to Secretary Vilsack for his appointment to lead the USDA," says AFIA’s President and CEO Constance Cullman. "He understands that with 6,200 manufacturing facilities across the country generating over 246.4 million tons of animal food annually, our industry is the vital link between crop and animal agriculture. Just as our customers rely on us to keep animals fed, we rely on government leaders such as Secretary Vilsack who have built their careers around supporting the long-term economic growth of this essential sector.
“With the constant threat of animal disease knocking at our borders, we will continue our calls for the USDA to have the resources it needs to not only improve agricultural research and mitigate disease risks, but to create a best-in-class preparedness and response network," Cullman continues. "We hope that the agency will continue its efforts to harmonize the regulatory framework across the agencies responsible for bringing novel human and animal nutrition-improving technologies to market. Modernizing our rural infrastructure will allow the agriculture industry to fully participate in a more connected world and we stand ready to work with the agency to turn this priority into a reality."
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall also looks forward to working again with Secretary Vilsack.
"His strong track record of leadership and previous experience at USDA will serve rural America well," says Duvall. “We have a lot of work to do as we overcome obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We must commit to resuming CARES Act programs and continue to build on advances made in trade," Duvall notes. "We must move forward on the successes made in climate-smart practices while seeking partnerships to ensure new environmental policies remain market-based and voluntary. We also recognize the importance of strengthening the farm bill and bringing broadband to every community in America.
“We stand ready to work with Secretary Vilsack and USDA – his success means rural America’s success.”
