President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as secretary of agriculture. Vilsack, who is currently President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, previously served eight years as agriculture secretary in the Obama administration.
“Secretary Vilsack is a logical and proven choice to run USDA. We worked closely with him during his previous service as Secretary and we look forward to resuming our partnership,” said WG President & CEO Dave Puglia. “Like our country, the fresh produce industry is focused on rebounding from a difficult year. During his last tenure as Secretary, Mr. Vilsack made significant investments in rural communities and worked hard to strengthen the agricultural economy. We are confident that he will continue to provide our farmers with the support they need to grow safe and healthy food for the American people.”