(NABB) — President-elect Joe Biden has appointed Tom Vilsack as the Secretary of Agriculture.
Vilsack, a former governor of Iowa, served as agriculture secretary for eight years in the Obama administration and was a rural and agriculture policy adviser during Biden’s presidential campaign. He was also a contender to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016.
Additionally, Congressman David Scott was approved by the Democratic Caucus to serve as the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee. The committee provides legislative oversight relating to the U.S. agriculture industry, forestry, nutrition and rural development.
Scott has been a member of Congress since 2002, and most recently served as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. He played a key role in ushering through the last three Farm Bills, and is credited with securing disaster aid for farmers and strengthening food and nutrition programs.
“The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) is monitoring the transition of leadership underway in Washington, D.C., and will continue to ensure that the profile and value of the blueberry industry is highlighted with policymakers,” said NABC President Kasey Cronquist. “We look forward to meeting with the new appointees and their staff to make our growers’ voices heard and drive home the economic impact of the blueberry industry on the U.S. economy.”
Source: North American Blueberry Council