The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is headed up by the United States Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary is appointed by the President and is confirmed by the Senate. They are generally the leader of the department, providing the policies and the guidance that guide all the other sections. Currently, the Secretary of Agriculture is Tom Vilsack, who was appointed by President Obama in 2009.
Vilsack is an Iowa native, having served as Governor for two terms. He also has extensive experience with agricultural and biotechnology-related issues, having held positions on the Democratic Leadership Council, served on the Farm Credit Task Force, and served as a state administrator for rural development and natural resources.
Vilsack’s time with the USDA has seen the successful implementation of several initiatives, such as the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and the Watershed Protections Initiative. He’s also been the driving force behind the 2010 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and the 2014 Farm Bill. As well as this, under his leadership the USDA has made huge advances in promoting healthier diets and improving nutritional information on food labels.
Vilsack is an advocate for rural communities and has worked with the White House to create jobs in these areas. He has also pushed for an increase in food production, particularly efforts to create sustainable and environment-friendly sources of food. Vilsack has also pushed for increased transparency in the agricultural sector, and has been a vocal advocate for better nutrition labeling and the need to reduce food waste.
Tom Vilsack has been the Secretary of Agriculture since 2009, and his work has seen many advances made in the search for healthier, more environmentally-friendly sources of food production. He’s supported a range of initiatives to make information more transparent and to reduce food waste. He’s also been a huge supporter of rural communities, encouraging job creation and economic growth in these areas.
Professional Achievements
As the Secretary of Agriculture, Vilsack has worked with a variety of organizations and stakeholders to advance American agriculture. He has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Presidential Task Force on Rural USA, the National Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy, and the Interagency Biofuel Committee.
In his position, he has been instrumental in encouraging conservation, providing assistance to agricultural businesses, pioneering new programs for the development of green energy, and updating regulations for hunters and fishers. He has also furthered research on a range of issues central to agricultural development, including crop production and alternative farming practices.
Moreover, he has taken a special interest in expanding economic opportunities in rural areas, especially as it relates to renewable energy sources. He has also advanced agricultural education in the public school system, supported local and state food banks, and helped shape charitable giving in the agricultural community.
Vilsack has been a steady figure in American agriculture since 2009, providing guidance and policy direction across the sector. His professional achievements include the successful implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, the passage of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, and the development of strategy to reduce food waste and encourage sustainable forms of agriculture.
Public Service Achievements
Outside of his professional pursuits, Vilsack has always been motivated to pursue public service. He has been active in a range of philanthropic activities, including the Iowa Children’s Museum, and serves as the Chairman of the Board for the United States Youth Council.
Vilsack has often been a pioneer of sorts. He established the first public-private partnership in the US and was a leader in creating the nation’s first rural economic policy. He has been a champion of public service, encouraging citizens to participate in public service activities as a way to strengthen communities and address disparities.
On a personal level, Vilsack is an avid supporter of veterans’ issues, and has often taken a special interest in highlighting the incredible service and sacrifice of military personnel. He has sought to provide job training to veterans, particularly those returning from deployment, and been a vocal advocate for programs to help veterans transition back into civilian life.
As Secretary of Agriculture, Vilsack has always sought to expand public service initiatives. He has been a leader in strengthening nutrition assistance programs, expanding food delivery initiatives, and developing new strategies to reduce food waste.
Career Achievements
Vilsack has had a long and distinguished career, beginning as an attorney in Iowa and eventually taking up the position of Mayor of Mt. Pleasant in 1987. From then on his career grew, earning a position as a state senator in 1992 and then the Governor of Iowa in 1998.
Under Vilsack’s leadership, Iowa made huge strides in economic development, job creation, and education. Having had to deal with a severe budget crisis early on in his time as Governor, he was able to turn the state’s fortunes around, creating more than 100,000 new jobs and steering the state’s economy out of a recession.
Vilsack’s time as Governor also saw the establishment of the “Iowa Values” program, which brought together public and private investment to create jobs and help companies remain competitive in an international landscape. His achievements in Iowa propelled him onto the national stage and eventually he was asked to join Obama’s cabinet.
In 2009 Vilsack became the 30th Secretary of Agriculture and has since guided the USDA’s efforts in developing sustainable sources of food, promoting healthier diets, and supporting rural communities. He has also worked with international partners to further American agricultural interests.
Humanitarian Achievements
Vilsack has had a long-standing interest in humanitarian issues, particularly those related to feeding the world’s hungry. He has been an advocate for reducing food waste, supporting nutrition assistance programs, and broadening public access to healthy food.
To this end, Vilsack has helped develop the Healthy Food Choices Act, which mandates public-sector food establishments to provide nutritious options for their customers. He has also pushed to increase food donations from businesses and develop better nutrition-education strategies.
Under Vilsack’s leadership, the USDA has launched the “People’s Garden Initiative,” which promotes greater access to fresh, healthy food in underserved communities. This project works in partnership with food banks and local farmers to provide fresh produce to low-income families.
Vilsack has also been at the forefront of combating world hunger. He’s advocated for greater investment in agricultural technology, which could provide more efficient methods of food production and help address food shortages in developing countries.
Vilsack has also worked tirelessly to try and end world hunger, championing a variety of initiatives to reduce food waste and increase global food security. He recognizes the important role that science and technology must play if we are to be successful in this endeavor.
