ASTA Supports Confirmation of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack
Alexandria, VA (February 2, 2021) – The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) strongly supports the confirmation of Tom Vilsack as the 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The association sent a formal letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman expressing support for President Biden’s nomination of Vilsack to this key position, and urging his swift confirmation by the Senate.
“Vilsack is an exceptional choice to lead the Department of Agriculture,” says ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “As the former Governor of Iowa and the former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Vilsack has demonstrated a strong understanding of the important issues impacting the American seed industry and the broader agriculture community.”
A key issue for ASTA continues to be the continuation and advancement of plant breeding innovations, which hold tremendous promise for the future of our food, agriculture and environment.
“There is no question that today’s food and agriculture production system faces very-real and evolving threats – from a global pandemic, to a changing climate, drought, and evolving pests and disease,” says LaVigne. “Continued innovations in agriculture will be critical to providing solutions to meet these challenges; and it all starts with seed. We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack to advance innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for our food and our planet.”
ASTA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Secretary Vilsack, and stands ready to work with the team at USDA and the rest of President Biden’s administration to advance key mutual priorities.
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA is the leading voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. The association’s broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.
ASTA Supports Nomination of Tom Vilsack For Secretary of Agriculture
Alexandria, VA (January 26, 2021) - The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) joined 120 leading agricultural associations and signed a letter to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry strongly supporting the confirmation of Tom Vilsack to Secretary of Agriculture.
Under President Obama, Vilsack led the USDA from 2009-2017. ASTA looks forward to the continued relationship and strong experience he brings to the role.
Additionally, the White house recently announced several appointments to fill key positions at USDA, including:
- Jewel Bronaugh, current Virginia Secretary of Agriculture, as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
- Stacy Dean as Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services
- Justin Maxson as Deputy Undersecretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Other appointments can be found here. ASTA is looking forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and the team at USDA to advance key seed industry priorities.
Coalition of Ag and Food Groups Call For Swift Confirmation of Tom Vilsack
Washington, DC (January 21, 2021) – A coalition of nearly 130 leading U.S. food and agriculture associations has called for the swift confirmation of Thomas Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. In a letter sent to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the groups cite Secretary Vilsack’s vision for meeting the substantial current challenges of food and agriculture and submit that his previous outstanding eight-year service in the post during the Obama administration will benefit consumers both in the U.S. and abroad.
Together, the group of associations represent the vast majority of the food and agriculture sector that is responsible for roughly one-fifth of the country’s economic activity, directly supporting over 23 million jobs – constituting nearly 15% of total U.S. employment.
The letter was signed by: Agricultural Retailers Association, Corn Refiners Association, American Farm Bureau, CropLife America, American Seed Trade Association, American Soybean Association, Farmers for Free Trade, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Grain and Feed Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, United Egg Producers, North American Meat Institute, US Dairy Export Council, and more.