> About the Importance of Good Food and Healthy Farms
Nothing is more basic to human sustenance than a safe, affordable, and plentiful supply of nutritious food. Our nation is blessed to have the people, resources, and technology to form a system stretching from farms to family dining tables that allows most of us to take food pretty much for granted. This level of food security has been possible for only a small slice of human history - and is still out of reach for far too many of the world's inhabitants, right here in America, too. The Secretary of Agriculture has a fundamental responsibility to foster a dependable and sustainable food and agriculture system and to provide nutrition assistance to millions of Americans in need.
We also rely on farms, ranches, and forests for the fiber, timber, and increasingly, renewable forms of energy which are key elements of our economy and way of life. Rural America contributes greatly to our nation's wealth, not only by supplying food and other resources, but also through a highly productive and dedicated workforce.
Oh yes, how I agree, Senator Harkin!
> About Challenges of The Current Economy
The rural economy and rural businesses are suffering, including in agriculture, where producers are once again in a cost-price squeeze, compounded by tighter credit. Yet our basic assets in agriculture and rural America are the envy of most of the world.
Job losses and economic hardship will drive the need for nutrition assistance to record levels across America - rural and urban - and strain USDA and state agencies to deliver this critically important help to families. The new farm bill strengthened this assistance as will the economic recovery legislation.
At the same time, in child nutrition legislation we must enact this year, we have a tremendous opportunity here in this Committee to help reform America's health system, save lives, and control health care costs. If we make sure that foods and beverages kids consume in schools are more nutritious, healthier and properly balanced, we will prevent diseases and medical conditions that impair and cut short lives - and cost a lot of money to treat. We will need the leadership and help of the Secretary of Agriculture and USDA in writing this legislation.
Again, well said, Sen. Harkin. Let's see you guys walk the talk now... I look forward to a Child Nutrition bill that actually provides for healthy and well-balanced school meals.
> About The Role of Agriculture and The Environment
We have a huge challenge to conserve natural resources in the face of growing world population and demand for commodities and raw materials. Farms and forests will be pushed for ever greater output. Doing so sustainably will require a much greater commitment to conservation practices on land in production through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and similar initiatives.
In renewable energy and other areas, we can and we must create and develop new opportunities in rural America, for example for beginning farmers and in small and start-up businesses.
I LOVE the Conservation Stewardship Program! Now can we actually fully fund it?
> And The Problems in the Livestock Industry
Producing livestock and poultry is vital to rural economies, and it is essential that markets in this industry are competitive and fair. The demand for locally-grown and organic foods continues to grow - the fastest growing part of the food chain -- providing new and expanding opportunities in rural communities.
USDA's food safety and inspection system needs strengthening, yet the progress that has been made shows the system can be improved.
OK, glad to see you are for fair competition and food safety. Can you add a condemnation of factory farming to that please? And how about a call for enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act to break up the huge corporations that have a virtual monopoly on the beef, poultry, and hog industries?
> And Finally, About Vilsack
It is now my privilege to introduce, along with my colleague Senator Grassley, Governor Tom Vilsack. He knows production agriculture and what is needed to promote profitability and a better future, including for beginning farmers and ranchers. He gained a lot of experience the hard way -- representing farmers in wrenching financial situations as a county seat lawyer during the farm crisis of the 1980's.
As the mayor of Mount Pleasant and as a state senator, he gained valuable experience and insights into the problems, needs, and opportunities of rural communities.
As governor, Tom Vilsack built a strong record in promoting renewable energy, rural economic opportunity, and conservation. He knows how to bring change that will help to strengthen and rebuild the farm and rural economy on a sound foundation. He has a proven record of working with all sides to seek the right resolution to environmental issues.
He is solidly committed to better nutrition and providing food assistance to those who need it. He created the Iowa Food Policy Council to address the range of interlinked food and agriculture issues.
Tom Vilsack's experience, abilities, dedication, and relish for hard work will serve him and our nation very well as Secretary of Agriculture.
With a glowing introduction like that, it's hard to imagine Vilsack will have any bumps along his road to confirmation by the Senate. |
