The incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture for the United States is Stephen Censky. Censky was appointed in the summer of 2017. He was previously an executive with the American Soybean Association (ASA) for eight years prior to his official role as commissioner. Censky has a degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Missouri, and he also holds a law degree from Georgetown University. As Commissioner, Censky is responsible for providing policy guidance to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal, state, and international government agencies. He also serves as an advisor to the President and other executive office officials on agricultural issues and ensures that the policies and activities of the USDA are in line with the current laws.
Censky is an advocate for open and fair trade policies as well as export promotion. During his time at ASA, he was successful in helping pass the 2008 Farm Bill, which provided a streamlined and simplified process for establishing farm loan programs. Censky has also worked diligently to help protect U.S. agricultural products from international competition, established regulations that protect and promote public health, and has helped to implement the nutrition support that is offered to low-income individuals. Censky is an advocate for U.S. farmers and ranchers and for expanding and strengthening agriculture’s role in the global economy.
Under Censky’s direction, the USDA has embarked on an ambitious program to promote and support agricultural research, innovation, sustainability, and conservation. The department has launched initiatives such as the Agricultural Research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure that farmers are able to access the latest information and resources to help them successfully produce healthy and safe food for the world. The USDA also supports a wide range of programs related to soil health and conservation, food safety, and 4-H programs.
In addition to his work at the USDA, Censky serves on the National Farmers Union (NFU) board of directors and the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Agriculture Development and Rural Communities. Censky is dedicated to providing the safety net and regulations necessary to safeguard U.S. farmers, while also being a driving force in promoting the sustainability of agricultural practices. He is committed to finding new ways to stimulate rural economic development and empower rural America’s ability to produce high-quality and nutritious food for the entire world.
The incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture for the United States, Stephen Censky, excels at the critical work of leading and improving American agriculture. With his degrees from the University of Missouri and Georgetown University, coupled with his prior experiences in the American Soybean Association, Censky has the expertise to address current issues and facilitate policy initiatives. His work ensures that farmers, ranchers, and nutrition recipients have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and productive, while also protecting and promoting beneficial agricultural practices. With Censky at the helm of the USDA, America’s rural economies can look forward to a brighter future.
Agricultural Research and Innovation
When Stephen Censky became Commissioner of Agriculture for the United States, he identified agricultural research and innovation as a key focus. He implemented numerous initiatives within the USDA to ensure the United States could produce healthy and safe food for the world. Censky’s tenure as commissioner has seen the launch of the Agricultural Research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. These services are designed to provide easier access to the knowledge and resources farmers require to be successful. Additionally, the USDA under Censky’s direction has launched initiatives to enhance the soil health and to promote conservation. Through this, farmers are better equipped to make well-informed decisions and have access to the best tools and resources available to them.
Nutrition Programs
Censky is an avid advocate for those in need and he has been an influential leader in the implementation and promotion of USDA supported nutrition programs. These are essential to providing food and nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Without Censky’s work, disadvantaged Americans would not have access to the meals they need to stay healthy. In addition to his work on nutrition, Censky is a fierce champion for the proliferation of 4-H programs. He has used his platform as commissioner to promote and advocate for 4-H clubs, in order to help educate and invest in the future of sustainable farming and agricultural production.
Farm Bill & Fair Trade
Before becoming Commissioner of Agriculture for the United States, Stephen Censky worked for eight years as an executive with the American Soybean Association. Here, Censky was successful in helping to pass the 2008 Farm Bill, which was pivotal to the establishment of farm loan programs. This bill also made it easier to use these loan programs as a way to stay competitive. Furthermore, as a career-long advocate for open and fair trade policies, Censky’s initiatives have helped to protect U.S. agricultural products from international competition. This ensures farmers have access to the resources they need to remain financially successful, while also allowing them to compete in a market with fair specifications.
Economic Development
Under Censky’s guidance, he has been a motivating force in the promotion and stimulation of rural economic development. He has used different events, forums and institutions to unite leaders in the agricultural industry to discuss policy decisions and initiatives that are looking to improve rural economies. This strategy has enabled Censky to find new ways to empower and invest in rural communities, both through policy and advocacy. With his significant role in the USDA and other background associations, Censky has created new programs and initiatives that stimulate economic advancement. This has allowed small towns, rural regions and other agricultural communities to benefit from the boost of their local economies.
Conservation & Sustainability
As a leader in promoting and implementing agricultural best practices, Stephen Censky has worked persistently to develop efficient and forward-thinking plans for the sustainability of agricultural production. Through his career-long commitment to conservation, Censky has been able to create and develop plans to help farmers and ranchers understand the importance of preserving the environment and natural resources. Censky has used his time as commissioner to drive these initiatives further, and work towards creating lasting solutions for the sustainability of the agricultural industry. As a result, farmers and ranchers now have access to more sustainable practices, allowing them to be more careful with the land and resources available to them.
Public Health
From the beginning of his career, Stephen Censky has been an advocate for promoting and protecting public health. During his time at the American Soybean Association, Censky worked diligently to help establish regulations that protect the health of American citizens around the globe. As Commissioner of Agriculture, he has implemented initiatives and policy decisions that are designed to promote and enhance the quality of food available to those in need. Furthermore, with Censky’s direction, the USDA has invested significant resources into the education and regulation of food safety, in order to provide a safe and reliable food supply to the world.
