All former U.S. secretaries of agriculture since President Reagan’s administration announced support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In a letter to Congressional leaders, former Secretaries John Block (Reagan), Mike Espy (Clinton), Dan Glickman (Clinton), Ann Veneman (W. Bush), Mike Johanns (W. Bush), Ed Shafer (W. Bush), and Tom Vilsack (Obama) underscored the importance of passing USMCA saying, “We need …
Study Shows Trade Agreements by Competitors will Threaten U.S. Dairy Exports to Japan
A study released by the U.S. Dairy Export Council projects that new trade agreements between Japan and other countries will put U.S. dairy exports at a competitive disadvantage, resulting in lost U.S. sales of $5.4 billion over 21 years. The Japanese dairy market, the fourth-largest export destination for U.S. dairy exports, is expected to continue to grow in years to …
Vilsack: Shutdown Impacts Could Last Years
The government shutdown could cause a ripple effect across the federal government for years, according to former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack recently told Politico that the effects could take years to realize, like the ramifications of pausing some Forest Service efforts to reduce fire hazards. Specifically, Vilsack said, “You may not see the consequences of this until August of …
U.S. Dairy Export Council Seeks Market Growth in China
The U.S. Dairy Export Council Monday announced a partnership with a university in China to grow U.S. exports in China. The Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jiangnan University to establish the U.S.-China Dairy Innovation Center at the university. Tom Vilsack, U.S. Dairy Export Federation President and CEO says the partnership is a “game-changing agreement” that will lead …
Vilsack says Clovis Lacks Experience for USDA Post
Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says Sam Clovis doesn’t have credibility for the post-Clovis is nominated to serve at the Department of Agriculture. Clovis is the nominee for the undersecretary for research, education, and economics, commonly known as USDA’s chief scientist position. Vilsack said recently that Clovis’ positions on things like climate change “create a barrier for him that will …
Vilsack Helping Create Support for Democrats in Middle America
Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is dedicating some of his time in trying to help the Democratic party gain support in middle America. ABC News reports Vilsack is part of a group called New Democracy, which includes sitting and former governors, along with others. Will Marshall, the Democratic policy veteran who is running the group, says the group plans to …
Ag Industry Provides Testimony on NAFTA
Dairy, poultry, grains, oilseeds and produce industry leaders told House Ag lawmakers this week that NAFTA modernization talks with Canada and Mexico should “do no harm” to their sectors, but only improve trade opportunities. ‘Preserve what’s working…strengthen what can be better…and fix what’s broken’ was the message from former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, now president and CEO of the US …
U.S. and China Reach Agreement to Boost Dairy Trade
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says the agreement reached this week between the U.S. and China will make it possible to significantly expand American dairy exports. An Agri-Pulse report says 80 U.S. processors are now officially cleared to immediately begin exporting to China, thanks to the Memorandum of Understanding between the countries. The agreement will also make it possible for …
Vilsack Joins Feeding America Board
Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has joined the board of directors of Feeding America, the nation’s largest anti-hunger organization. Feeding America represents 200 food banks across all 50 states in the country and provides food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. Vilsack became president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council in …
China, U.S., Expected to Sign Dairy Agreement
The United States and China are expected to sign an agreement Thursday to promote U.S. dairy products. Politico reports the two countries are expected to sign a memorandum that will allow further market access for U.S. dairy producers. U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack said last week that he has been working for months to reach an agreement between …