Livestock groups and producers are applauding the confirmation of newly confirmed USDA and EPA officials. Earlier this week, the US Senate confirmed Judge Stephen Vaden as Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture and David Fotouhi as Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane said, “The cattle industry is thrilled to see two more highly qualified nominees receive confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Mr. Vaden has spent his career immersed in trade issues and fighting for farmers and ranchers. His unique skillset will be especially important right now as the Trump administration works to expand market access for cattle producers.”
The National Pork Producers Council, during the confirmation process shared their support of Vaden’s nomination saying, “NPPC has worked closely with Vaden, as he was instrumental in the development of the pork industry’s strategy to argue Prop. 12 in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.”
The US Secretary of Agriculture also applauded Vaden’s confirmation saying, “The Trump Administration is putting together an all-star team to follow through on the America First mandate sent to Washington. Judge Vaden is a seasoned lawyer and patriot dedicated to putting Farmers First. I welcome his experience serving in the first Trump Administration, and I look forward to him returning to USDA to serve alongside me as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.”
On the confirmation of David Fotouhi, NCBA’s Lane said, “Mr. Fotouhi has a wealth of experience in environmental law and will be a key leader for ensuring the EPA returns to its core mission of protecting natural resources rather than obstructing family farmers and ranchers. NCBA looks forward to working with Deputy Secretary Vaden and Deputy Administrator Fotouhi. We strongly encourage the U.S. Senate to continue swiftly confirming key nominees across the administration that directly impact the success of family farmers and ranchers throughout the country.”
Dale Sandlin reporting for Southeast AgNet