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For this #FoodJusticeFriday I am talking about the Secretary of Agriculture. We have been in our tiptoes waiting for the announcement of the @Transition46. So here is a more detailed tread on the front runners and why it matters for #foodjustice and sustainable agriculture.
First, what does the secretary do? The secretary of agriculture is responsible for providing "leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management."
The secretary of agriculture is the head of the @USDA. you know, the U.S. federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food.
United States Secretary of Agriculture is a:
Member of the Cabinet.
Reports to President of the United States
Appointed by The President with Senate advice and consent.
Member of the Cabinet.
Reports to President of the United States
Appointed by The President with Senate advice and consent.
So far every secretary of agriculture since the inception of the department has been a white male and only one white woman.
The secretary of agriculture by @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris will be task with carrying out the President's vision and implementing the administration agenda across the department and over the issues it overseas: hunger, nutrition, agricultural conservation, commodities, ect...
We know a little of #BidenHarris plan for agriculture and rural development. https://joebiden.com/rural-plan/ . So we should expect his appointment of secretary to be a reflection of their priorities.
And the contenders are:
Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge: An advocate for all workers, including meat processing workers and fought attempts to increase the line speeds in meat plants.Also with a strong background in nutrition policy. https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/blogs/ag-policy-blog/blog-post/2020/11/24/unions-endorse-fudge-agriculture
Heide Heitkamp, Former North Dakota Senator, was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from North Dakota and is widely considered as a centrist who has often supported bipartisan legislation. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/16/progressives-heitkamp-usda-race-436880
Tom Vilsack, Former Ag Secretary (2009-2017) one of the longest-serving secretaries of Agriculture, currently serving as President and CEO of the US Dairy Export Council. https://www.capitalpress.com/nation_world/nation/top-contenders-for-bidens-cabinet-could-impact-agriculture-policy/article_2c5a77e0-22f3-11eb-9d64-63f263c6090a.html
Kathleen Merrigan, Former USDA Deputy Secretary (2009-2013) is most known for creating, leading, and managing the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/03/biden-agriculture-secretary-candidates-442749
Arturo S. Rodriguez, President Emeritus of the United Farm Workers.
https://nationalhispanicleadership.org/images/advocacy_letters/NHLA-Endorsement-USDA-ArturoRodriguez_-_11-24-2020.pdf
https://nationalhispanicleadership.org/images/advocacy_letters/NHLA-Endorsement-USDA-ArturoRodriguez_-_11-24-2020.pdf
Things to keep in mind: "For President-elect Biden to “build back better,” he will need a secretary of agriculture who cares not only about how food and industrial products are produced, but also for whom, and to what general public good." - @cadwego https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/03/opinion/usda-agriculture-secretary-biden.html
"With just one cabinet appointment, President-elect Joe Biden could tackle economic inequality, the rural/urban divide, climate change, the growing mistrust of science, systemic racism and even the coronavirus.
That appointment is Secretary of Agriculture."
That appointment is Secretary of Agriculture."
As you can see, advocates have high expectations and hopes for USDA. I remain hopeful that #BidenHarris pick for secretary will reflect and deliver on their administration priorities ,while upholding their commitment to diversity, equity and justice. Now we wait.
Udate:Vilsack emerges as Biden's top choice for USDA. The former Iowa governor served as Obama's longtime Agriculture secretary.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/07/vilsack-usda-top-choice-443424
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/07/vilsack-usda-top-choice-443424
