A hearing was held on January 14 for President-elect Obama’s appointed agriculture secretary Former Iowa Gov., Tom Vilsack.

Vilsack said he will focus on new fuel sources to produce ethanol, promote locally grown produce and try to increase farmers’ incomes resulting from wind power and organic farming if confirmed.

While focusing on alternative sources, Vilsack thinks it is important the research for promoting new biofuels needs to stretch beyond the Corn Belt.

It is expected that Vilsack with be confirmed on Tuesday unanimously.  Vilsack has few critics, mostly groups like the Organic Consumers Association who feel he has made poor decisions in the past as Iowa’s governor.  Most people feel he is a good candidate because he was governor of a large farm state.

Other duties Vilsack would inherit include farm programs, nutrition initiatives (for things like school lunch programs and food stamps), meat and poultry inspections and forest service.

If elected the former governor is taking on a challenging job with the current economic crunch that is effecting the agriculture industry as well.  Vilsack plans to use the 2008 Farm Bill to help farmers with subsidies.

Mr. Vilsack said, “I will work with you to expand opportunities for farmers, ranchers and rural communities to promote renewable energy technologies like biofuels, wind, solar and geothermal, and to deliver environmental benefits like clean air, clean water, and fish and wildlife habitat.”

Tags: 2008 farm bill, agriculture, agriculture secretary, farm, farm bureau, iowa governor, tom vilsack

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