By DOUG SCHMITZ
Iowa Correspondent WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Most Iowa farmers have expressed support for former Gov. Tom Vilsack as President-elect Obama’s USDA secretary, despite unanswered questions about his alleged ties to Monsanto Co. and defense of illegal aliens working in meatpacking plants.
With Iowa leading the nation in ethanol, hog, corn, soybean and egg production, Craig Lang, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) president, said Vilsack’s appointment would provide an opportunity to spotlight issues important to Iowa and the nation’s food and fuel production.
“Former Gov. Vilsack is assuming the Secretary of Ag position at a critical time in our nation’s history,” he said. “At the same time that our global population is reaching historic levels, American farmers are facing increased challenges to provide more food while consumers are demanding more options.
“American agriculture is critical to meeting those new demands, and we look forward to working with him to help him combine what we know with what we grow.”
Gary Edwards, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Assoc. (ICGA), who farms near Anamosa, said Vilsack established “an outstanding record here in Iowa as a capable, pragmatic leader who understood the importance of agriculture.
“We look forward to working with him on the national level as we did on the state level,” he added.
Iowa Pork Producers Assoc. (IPPA) President Dave Moody said the organization was pleased with the selection of Vilsack. “It makes good sense to have someone from the heartland in the position and someone who is the former governor of an agriculture-intensive state like Iowa makes it that much better,” he said. “Obviously, Vilsack understands agriculture and the important role it plays in the success of the nation’s economy.”
Monte Shaw, president of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Assoc. said Vilsack’s appointment is good news for Iowa. “He knows which end of the cow the distillers’ grain goes in,” he said.
Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Assoc. (ISA) CEO, added, “We are pleased that we will be working with former Gov. Vilsack. He was always a good spokesman for soybean farmers, particularly on biotechnology issues. We are pleased that an Iowan will have the job.”
Ted Crosbie, vice president of global plant breeding and director of Monsanto’s Iowa operations said, “Tom Vilsack was one of the first governors to see the promise of biotechnology. He has a very balanced view of agriculture and understands its potential.”
But when asked about Vilsack’s alleged ties to Monsanto and his defense of illegal aliens working in meatpacking plants, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey would only say that he looked forward to working with Vilsack.
“Iowa is a national leader in agriculture, so it is very good news that an Iowan with a deep understanding of the issues facing farmers, renewable fuels and our rural communities will be leading the USDA at this challenging time,” he said.
If appointed, Vilsack would be the third USDA secretary to hail from Iowa.
Mike Johanns, a native Iowan, was secretary from 2005-07 and Henry Wallace held the USDA’s top post in the 1930s. December 31, 2008 |
