Vilsack to prioritize energy as agriculture secretary
By Janie Gabbett on 1/14/2009
Former Iowa Gov. TomVilsack listed energy independence, global climate change, food safety, conservation and rural development among his priorities should he be confirmed as the next secretary of agriculture.
In remarks prepared for his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday, Vilsack said he would work "to place America at the forefront of efforts to aggressively address energy independence and global climate change.
"I will also take steps to enhance the role of the farm sector and rural communities in solving the great environmental and energy-related challenges our country faces. Toward that end, I will work with [Congress] to expand opportunities for farmers, ranchers and rural communities to promote renewable energy technologies like biofuels, wind, solar and geo-thermal, and to deliver environmental benefits like clean air, clean water and fish and wildlife habitat," he said in written remarks provided in advance to the Des Moines Register.
Vilsack listed other priorities as working to:
enhance the safety of the food supply and reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses
administer a robust farm safety net and create real and meaningful opportunities for farmers and ranchers to succeed
guarantee that the communities where farmers and ranchers live can grow and prosper
help families that struggle to make ends meet put food on the table
seek programs and practices that lead to more nutritious food produced in a sustainable way preserve and protect national resources of land, water and forests.
Vilsack also said he would seek to implement the 2008 farm bill "promptly and consistent with congressional intent."
Finally, Vilsack said he would work to upgrade the use of technology at USDA and to resolve outstanding civil rights claims in its program and employment practices. "If I am confirmed, the message will be clear: discrimination in any form will not be tolerated."