MARCH | APRIL 2017
Almond Facts
33
“The most important quality for the agriculture secretary
to possess is a solid understanding of the tough economic
challenges farmers and ranchers face due to three years
of low prices, declining land values and difficult lending
conditions,” Roberts said, adding that the secretary
must understand “all aspects of the job,” which covers
agriculture, rural development, natural resources and
nutrition programs.
The ranking Democrat on the Agriculture Committee,
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said she would “take a
close look” at Perdue’s qualifications.
“It is imperative that the next agriculture secretary is ready
on day one to support our nation’s food producers and local
communities, protect our land, water and wildlife habitats,
and ensure all Americans have access to healthy food,”
Stabenow said.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael
Conaway, R-Texas, said Congress will soon begin work on
a new farm bill, which USDA will ultimately implement.
He added that the new secretary must be “willing to
work every day with the mindset of protecting America’s
farmers and ranchers, especially when it comes to
introducing regulatory actions.”
Perdue’s predecessor at USDA, Tom Vilsack, served all eight
years during the Obama administration and will become
president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Two
Californians have headed USDA: Richard Lyng (1986-89)
and Ann Veneman (2001-05).
(Dave Kranz is editor of Ag Alert. He may be
contacted at
.)
