ANOTHER LEAVES USDA

[HAY MAKER]

Moseley to leave USDA
Friday, March 4, 2005, 2:12 PM

by Gary Truitt

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced today that the number two man at the department will be leaving. "Deputy Secretary James Moseley has informed me that he is resigning as Deputy Secretary effective today. He has served American agriculture well throughout an extensive and diverse career and I wish him well in his future endeavors,” Johanns said in a statement.

Moseley was asked to join USDA by Ann Veneman and, since her resignation speculation has been running high on Moseley’s future. In January, he told Brownfield that he planned to stay on through the transition but “my future is uncertain.”

During that interview, Moseley praised the selection of Johanns as Secretary of Agriculture, and in announcing Moseley’s departure Johanns was equally complementary. "Jim has accomplished many things for agriculture both domestically and around the world. One of those accomplishments has been to foster a working relationship with the Afghan government and its people to help them rebuild the agricultural infrastructure in Afghanistan. This partnership not only is helping feed and clothe Afghan citizens, but it also is helping spread democracy.”

While Moseley’s resignation becomes effective immediately, Johanns has asked him to stay on until June 1 as a special advisor to complete some critical aspects of the Afghan project. He will continue in this capacity until June.