On a Midwest trip last week, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary offered advice to the next presidential administration.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has been on the job since 2009 and in that time his department has expanded programs for local foods and farmers markets, school meals and nutrition, and rural development. He noted that soon the agricultural sector will begin work on the next farm bill, which covers everything from crop safety nets to the food stamp program.
"The next agriculture secretary needs to have a very broad understanding of what this department does, who it impacts – and that it has an impact and effect on every single American, not just Americans in one part of the country or growing one type of commodity," Vilsack says.
In Ames, Iowa, Vilsack urged a group of young farmers to keep explaining the food system to the public and to push together for what they need in the next farm bill.
