The United States Secretary of Agriculture has the overall responsibility for managing the country’s agricultural industry. Currently the office is held by Tom Vilsack. Vilsack has held the post since 2009, which makes him the longest-serving secretary of agriculture in U.S. history. He was a two-term governor of Iowa prior to his appointment.
In his capacity as Secretary of Agriculture, Vilsack is a member of President Obama’s cabinet. He works alongside the other cabinet members to ensure the economic, social and environmental needs of the nation are met. He is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of U.S. Department of Agriculture policies and programs, including rural development and agricultural trade.
Additionally, Vilsack provides leadership in the development and implementation of food safety, conservation and nutrition policies. He works with state and local governments, research institutions, and private organizations to support the nation’s farmers and promote rural growth. Vilsack is also actively involved in international agricultural affairs, working to further American interests abroad.
Since his appointment, Vilsack has had a hand in several key initiatives. Among these include passing the 2014 Farm Bill, opening new markets for U.S. trade, and creating a program that provides assistance to veterans seeking careers in agriculture. He is also working to improve access to healthy and affordable food in underserved communities.
Tom Vilsack has served as the Secretary of Agriculture since 2009 and is currently the longest-serving secretary of agriculture in U.S. history. His responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of food safety, conservation, rural development and nutrition policies. He has played a key role in passing the 2014 Farm Bill, opening new markets for U.S. trade, and creating a program to provide assistance to veterans seeking careers in agriculture.
Tom Vilsack’s Background
Tom Vilsack first began his career in public service in the early 1990s, when he became the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. During his tenure as mayor, Vilsack worked to expand the city’s economic development and create a more vibrant downtown. He also served two terms as an Iowa state senator, during which time he led efforts to pass legislation that enhanced the state’s environmental and consumer protection standards.
Vilsack went on to become the governor of Iowa in 1999, cementing his place as one of the state’s most influential political figures. During his time in office, he made numerous strides in economic development, clean energy, and educational reform. He initiated green initiatives and the expansion of Hawkeye State Connect, an online system for students to access educational benefits.
Vilsack has also been extremely successful in the private sector, having served as the president and CEO of the Federation of State Municipal and County Employees, the Veterinary Medical Staff of the National Veterinary Medical Association,and as the vice-chairman of the Iowa Renewable Energy Project. As Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack works to improve access to healthy and affordable foods in underserved communities and further global American interests in the field of agriculture.
Vilsack’s Relationship to President Obama
Vilsack’s relationship with President Obama dates back to 2009, when he was selected to be the Secretary of Agriculture. Since then, the two have developed a strong bond, working together to improve food safety policy, provide assistance to low-income individuals, and advance sustainable energy initiatives.
Vilsack has long been a vocal advocate of creating greater economic opportunity in rural areas, which has been a key priority of the Obama administration. He has also been a staunch supporter of the president’s initiatives to increase foreign trade with allied countries. He is a fierce opponent of extreme weather events, a leading cause of food insecurity in many parts of the world.
While President Obama recently addressed the American public on the outgoing of his term and the passage of executive orders, Secretary Vilsack has been able to combine his leadership within the agriculture sector with the president’s initiatives to drive impactful change. Vilsack has been appointed to lead efforts to double marketing budgets for farmers, support local food businesses, and create job-training opportunities for military veterans.
Vilsack frequently appears alongside President Obama at public events, such as the signing of the 2014 Farm Bill. He often addresses the press following highly visible meetings or summits in order to communicate the collective decisions the administration makes. His expertise and frequent contributions have been invaluable to the current state of the nation’s agriculture.
Vilsack’s Contributions to the Agriculture Industry
Under Vilsack’s tenure, the United States Department of Agriculture has made advances in many areas, some of which include school nutrition, food safety and consumer protection, and rural development. In order to ensure children have access to healthy and nutritious meals, Vilsack implemented the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
Vilsack has also been a strong proponent of preventing food-borne illness through the implementation of food safety regulations. He has supported the passage of laws that hold companies and individuals accountable for producing unsafe foods. His support has played an important role in reducing food-related illnesses and deaths in the U.S.
Vilsack has implemented a number of programs to support U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters and rural communities, including the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, which continues to make advances in food production, health and nutrition, and energy production. He has also implemented the Agricultural Risk Protection (ARP) program, which provides financial assistance to farmers in times of financial hardship or natural disasters.
In addition, Vilsack has championed several environmental initiatives, such as the Clean Water Rule, which grants farmers and landowners protection from unregulated pollution runoff. He has also supported the establishment of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, which supports economic and environmental efforts in rural areas across the U.S.
Vilsack’s Achievements
During his time as Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack has made many notable achievements. He has strengthened food safety measures, increased access to healthy and nutritious meals, supported sustainable energy initiatives, and improved rural development. He has also opened global markets for the U.S. agricultural industry.
Vilsack has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to the field of agriculture. He has been appointed to serve on boards and committees of prominent organizations such as the International Food Protection Training Institute, the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice, and the World Food Prize.
In 2015, Vilsack was honored with the Special Recognition Award from the Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers of the Year Awards. His work in improving access to capital and services to farmers, ranchers and producers of color was the reason for the award.
Vilsack has also been the recipient of many honorary titles, such as the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese government and honorary Doctor of Laws from Allen University. In 2014, he was elected to the Hall of Fame of the National 4-H Alumni.
Vilsack’s Future
For the first time in eight years, Tom Vilsack will have a new administration to work with under the incoming President Joe Biden. It is expected that he will continue to promote initiatives that further the United States’ interest in the international agricultural market, as well as ensuring economic, social and environmental progress at home.
In the coming years, it is likely that Vilsack will focus on securing access to affordable food, implementing stricter food safety regulations and promoting food waste prevention. He has already expressed interest in highlighting the important role the agricultural industry plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, an effort that will be supported by the Biden administration.
Vilsack will likely continue to drive collaboration between the U.S. and other nations in areas such as food production and sustainable development. He is expected to take a more aggressive stance in promoting the use of renewable energy sources and pushing for a further reduction in carbon emissions.
Overall, with the incoming Biden administration, Tom Vilsack is likely to remain an integral figure in driving the nation’s agricultural agenda forward.
