“With his unquestionable credentials, one might think that this pick would be a no-brainer,” Logan said. “But we are in the midst of a time of radical change in agricultural and food industries and there are some questions among smaller producers about President-elect Biden’s pick – is it too conventional?”
Logan has shared with OFU members and family farming allies that he believes Vilsack’s credentials are impeccable and that he has a “full understanding” of the marketplace – and USDA’s key role in other areas such as rural development and fighting hunger.
“Having met the Secretary several times, I’m convinced that he’s a really smart guy. He knows the issues inside and out,” Logan said.
“We all hope and expect that Secretary Vilsack will have learned that agribusiness lobbyists do not truly advocate for farmers or consumers,” Logan said. “Instead, they advocate for the global agribusiness corporations, that capture value from both farming communities and consumers.”
Logan called Vilsack an “intelligent and experienced leader who clearly has the confidence of President-elect Biden.” Logan points out that Vilsack has a previous eight years of experience in the job and that he no doubt learned lessons. He said that Vilsack in fact greatly advanced certain policies that help family farmers such as organics, local farm markets, regional food networks and farm to school programs.“Secretary Vilsack has the knowledge and skills to make change happen. He deserves a chance and I’m ultimately hopeful that family farmers will be pleased with his work on our behalf,” Logan said. “It’s up to family farmers to advocate effectively, so let’s get that done.”
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