Latest news with #Vilsack
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vilsack says farms, not farmers, should work harder to grow rural communities
Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack chats with Iowa farmers in Warren County on April 29, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) WARREN COUNTY — Tom Vilsack, former Iowa governor and the U.S. secretary of agriculture during the Obama and Biden administrations, spoke Tuesday with farmers and rural Iowans about his ideas to grow rural communities. In the pine-paneled Middleswart Lodge, looking out over Lake Ahquabi State Park, Vilsack explained policies he started, and hoped would continue, that make a farm — rather than a farmer — work harder. This means programs like the Climate Smart commodities program, which pays farmers a premium for using sustainable agriculture tools, or practices that make use of other farm products, like an anaerobic digester that turns animal waste into renewable energy and a check for the farmer 'You could combine the marketplace and the private sector and government to do right by the environment and to do right by the small and mid-sized (farms),' Vilsack said. 'The farm would work harder, not the farmer.' Don and Mary Mitchell, Warren County farmers who attended the program, said they had 'never thought' of some of the ideas Vilsack mentioned. As farmers in their later years, the Mitchells said they wouldn't implement those strategies today, but would have benefited from such options earlier in their lives. 'We might have saved a lot of miles driving back and forth from our place to Des Moines,' Mary Mitchell said with a laugh. Don Mitchell was a farmer that had to 'work harder' to keep his family afloat when the small family farm wasn't enough. For him, that meant commuting to Des Moines for an off-farm job for many years. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show that the majority of farmers in the U.S. have off-farm income and small farms depend on non-farming income to survive. Vilsack said he realized after his first stint as agriculture secretary that the system was set for farmers to either 'get big or get out' which has led to a loss in the number of farms and dwindling rural communities. Vilsack said he's not 'bashing the big guys' but said he wanted to try and find a way to make it so small and mid-sized farms could also make it. He said the same solutions would also create a circular, rather than extractive, ag economy and support rural communities. 'So now you not only have more prosperous farms, you also have more jobs, you have more reasons for people to stay in that small town,' Vilsack said. Vilsack said some of these programs have been kept by the current administration though they might live under a different name. 'There's just an enormous opportunity here if our leaders understand that we need a creative option,' Vilsack said. 'This is not a situation where it's this as opposed to something — it's this in addition to something.' The Trump administration has cancelled Biden-era ag programs like the partnerships for Climate Smart commodities and a program that allowed schools to purchase food from local farmers. Other programs, like the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, have been restructured to better align with the Trump agenda. Vilsack said there's also an opportunity for the state, counties, cities, or philanthropic groups to step in when a federal program is cancelled. Even if it doesn't do as much as a federal program, it sends a message. 'The key here is to understand the significance of doing something, and then having the state officials understand and appreciate and communicate to federal officials,' Vilsack said. 'That's how you can change and impact and affect policy.' While the event was the start of a series of forums organized by the Iowa Democratic Party to highlight its plans to 'grow Iowa,' Vilsack said he spoke in his capacity as an Iowan, not a politician. 'This is not about any political stance that I may have,' Vilsack said. 'It is about my deep concern about our state and my deep, deep concern about the state of rural America.' Vilsack said he sees a way forward, and it might as well start in Iowa. 'It doesn't necessarily have to cost a lot of money, but it is a partnership between the government, farmers, universities, food companies, energy companies, utilities, conservation groups, environmental groups — it can bring all of this together instead of this, us or them kind of thing that we've got going on.' Iowa Democrats plan to hold similar forums, with other speakers, in different areas of the state, but have not yet released a schedule. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former secretary of ag Vilsack selected to run World Food Prize Foundation
Tom Vilsack speaks at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue at the Iowa Events Center Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo by Scott Morgan / World Food Prize Foundation) Tom Vilsack will return to Iowa as CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, headquartered in Des Moines, following his role as U.S. secretary of agriculture during the Biden-Harris administration. Vilsack takes the place of Mashal Husain, who was named the president of the foundation following the retirement announcement of former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad from the position in November. Vilsack served as Iowa's 40th governor from 1999 until 2007, when he left to serve as U.S. secretary of agriculture during the Obama administration. 'The World Food Prize Foundation has a phenomenal and important history of advancing innovation to address global food security,' Vilsack said in a press release. 'I am honored to have the opportunity to build on that legacy, working closely with Mashal Husain and the talented team to extend the Foundation's impact worldwide.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX According to a press release from the foundation, Vilsack will focus on addressing global food insecurity and expanding the global network of the foundation. Husain, as president, will continue to lead programming for the foundation. Board Chair Paul Schickler called it an 'exciting' era for the Foundation thanks to the combination of Vilsack's 'diplomatic acumen' and Husain's innovative programming. 'Together, they will honor Dr. Norman Borlaug's legacy by addressing the most pressing global food challenges with bold action, strategic alliances and a commitment to equity and sustainability,' Schickler said in the release. The World Food Prize was started by Norman Borlaug, often called the father of the green revolution for his work developing a high yielding, disease resistant strain of wheat. Each year the prize honors work that has improved quality, quantity or availability of food. 'I look forward to forging new partnerships, helping bring to life new solutions in the fight against hunger and championing efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable food system for future generations,' Vilsack said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
When was Tom Vilsack governor? U.S. Agriculture Secretary returns to Iowa for new role.
When was Tom Vilsack governor? U.S. Agriculture Secretary returns to Iowa for new role. Show Caption Hide Caption Biden picks Vilsack as Sec. of Agriculture to face COVID-19 challenges Sen. Chuck Grassley introduces Tom Vilsack, whose job under President Joe Biden certainly isn't the same one he had under President Barack Obama. staff video, USA TODAY Former Iowa governor and two-time U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will become the CEO of the Des Moines-based World Food Prize Foundation, the organization announced Tuesday. Vilsack takes the newly created role effective March 1. He succeeds Terry Branstad, who served as the group's president. Branstad, another former Iowa governor and President Donald Trump's ambassador to China during his first term, announced in November that he would step down as president of the organization on Jan. 31, 2025, a position he has held since February 2023. Paul Schickler, the foundation's board president, said Vilsack has deep knowledge of complex food, hunger and farm issues and the diplomatic skills needed to find solutions. What is the World Food Prize Foundation? Considered the Nobel prize of agriculture, the $500,000 World Food Prize annually recognizes innovators and advocates for their efforts in addressing food insecurity. Founded in 1986 by Iowa native and Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman E. Borlaug, the organization holds an annual ceremony at the Iowa Capitol and attracts global leaders in the fields of food and agriculture. 2024 World Food Prize winners: Preserving seed diversity key to adapting to climate change Where is Tom Vilsack from? Tom Vilsack was born on Dec. 13, 1950, in Pittsburgh. He was placed in a Catholic orphanage several days after birth and was adopted as an infant by Bud and Dolly Vilsack. In October 1968, Vilsack met Ann Christine Bell while attending Hamilton College in New York. They married in August 1973 in her hometown of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Vilsack received a law degree from Albany Law School in 1975, and the couple moved to Mount Pleasant that same year, where Vilsack began practicing law with his father-in-law, Tom Bell. From 2016: 8 things to know about Tom Vilsack How old is Tom Vilsack? Vilsack celebrated his 74th birthday in December. Among former President Joe Biden's cabinet, only Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who is 78, was older than Vilsack. Tom Vilsack compelled into politics after a shocking murder Vilsack was first introduced to public service in 1978 after he played a key role in raising funds to build a new sports complex in Mount Pleasant. Nearly a decade later, the Mount Pleasant community was suffering through a tragedy after Mount Pleasant Mayor Edward King was shot and killed by a disgruntled resident during a City Council meeting. Vilsack led the initial radio fundraising push to build a memorial fountain for King in Mount Pleasant. Afterward, King's father approached the local attorney to recruit him to run for mayor. 'If Iliff King (Edward's father) hadn't walked into my office with tears in his eyes,' Vilsack told the Register in 2015, 'I wouldn't have given it a second thought.' King's death pulled Vilsack into politics, and he was elected mayor of Mount Pleasant in 1987. Vilsack joined the Iowa Senate in 1992 and was re-elected two years later. Tom Vilsack was Iowa's first Democratic governor in three decades In 1998, Branstad, then the Republican governor, chose not to see reelection. Vilsack won the Democratic nomination and narrowly won the general election against Republican Jim Ross Lightfoot. He became the first Democrat to serve as governor of Iowa in 32 years. Vilsack served as Iowa governor from 1999 to 2007, winning reelection in 2002. In 2004. Vilsack served as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and was a finalist to be presidential candidate John Kerry's running mate in 2004. Tom Vilsack once ran for US president In November 2006, Vilsack entered the 2008 presidential race. His campaign focused on overhauling energy policies, critiquing then-President George W. Bush's handling of the War in Iraq and the economy. After struggling to raise money in a crowded nominating field, he quit the race after just 96 days and endorsed Hillary Clinton before endorsing Barack Obama when Clinton withdrew. Tom Vilsack led the U.S. Department of Agriculture — twice After taking office, Obama selected Vilsack to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During his first term leading the USDA, the department focused on rural development, revamping nutrition programs, and addressing the needs of smaller farms. "He is the single best Secretary of Agriculture," then Vice President Joe Biden told The Des Moines Register in 2014. "I've been here for eight presidents. There's nobody that has been his equal." Vilsack was the longest-serving member of Obama's original Cabinet. After leaving the Obama administration, Vilsack became president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. He was criticized for his role in the 2010 ouster of the USDA's Georgia state director of rural development, Shirley Sherrod, who is Black, after a misleadingly edited video released by conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart gave the impression she had withheld help from a white farmer. Vilsack later offered to rehire Sherrod, but she declined. After Biden was elected president in 2020, Vilsack was again chosen to lead the USDA. When his term ends, Vilsack will be the second longest-serving U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in U.S. history, only being surpassed by fellow Iowan James Wilson, who served in that role from 1897-1913. Des Moines Register Reporter Donnelle Eller contributed to this report. Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@ or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's next act after agriculture secretary: World Food Prize CEO
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's next act after agriculture secretary: World Food Prize CEO Tom Vilsack's next job will bring him home to Iowa. The former governor, stepping down after serving as secretary of agriculture in the Biden administration, will become the Des Moines-based World Food Prize Foundation's first CEO. The Democrat replaces another former Iowa governor, Republican Terry Branstad, as head of the foundation that annually awards a $500,000 recognition known as the Nobel Prize of agriculture. But where Branstad was president, Vilsack will be CEO. The nonprofit's chief operating officer, Mashal Husain, is assuming the title of president. Vilsack — whose four years as ag secretary under President Joe Biden and eight years under President Barack Obama made him the longest-tenured holder of that office in modern U.S. history — will take the reins at the hunger-fighting nonprofit on March 1. More: Vilsack would be among longest-serving U.S. Agriculture secretaries and 7 tied to Iowa Branstad — who holds the record as longest-serving Iowa governor and was U.S. ambassador to China during President Donald Trump's first term — announced in November he would retire as World Food Prize president Jan. 31. He held the position for nearly two years and presided in 2023 when the award was doubled from its previous $250,000. Paul Schickler, the foundation's board president, said Vilsack has deep knowledge of complex food, hunger and farm issues and the diplomatic skills needed to find solutions. Vilsack's experience "uniquely positions him to engage global stakeholders and foster meaningful collaborations," said Schickler, former president of DuPont Pioneer, the seed giant that's now Corteva Agriscience, with large operations in Johnston. Vilsack, 74, told the Des Moines Register that his new job will enable him to focus on farmers' roles in reducing global food insecurity, which powers world 'strife and instability." "Eighty-five percent of the areas in conflict are also suffering from food insecurity,' which encompasses about "1 of every 11 people on this earth," said Vilsack, who previously has served on the foundation's board. The group, he said, 'lifts up that issue and recognizes the role of agriculture — farming, ranching and innovation — in solving problems.' The World Food Prize brings hundreds of people — a mix of world political leaders, scientists, corporate executives, policymakers, activists and smallholder farmers — to Iowa's capital each fall to discuss ways to battle global hunger. The group's weeklong symposium culminates in a ceremony at the state Capitol to award the prize, which last year went to Geoffrey Hawtin and Cary Fowler, the duo who established the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an underground facility in Norway that preserves genetic diversity in the world's seed stock. More: Trump USDA secretary nominee Brooke Rollins says she has 'a lot to learn' about bird flu The foundation 'is an honest broker when it comes to convening dialog,' bringing people together without 'a particular ideology or particular philosophy," Vilsack said. 'It comes in with a problem: We need to feed the world. How do we do that?' Here's what to know about Vilsack's new job, his old job and Iowa's role in the global fight against hunger. Vilsack says World Food Prize strives to inspire next generation Vilsack said the foundation works to inspire people who follow in the footsteps of Norman Borlaug, the native Iowan and 1970 Nobel Peace Prize recipient who was credited with saving a billion people from hunger with research that led to the creation of drought-resistant, high-yielding wheat varieties. Borlaug, remembered as the 'father of the Green Revolution,' founded the World Food Prize in 1986 with help from John Ruan Sr., the late founder of Des Moines-based Ruan Transportation. In addition to awarding its annual prize, the foundation oversees a Global Youth Institute that works in 20 states, including Iowa, and around the world to spark students' interest in using science, technology, engineering and math to address the planet's challenges. The foundation wants to 'encourage and inspire the next generation of kids to become the next Norman Borlaug, the George Washington Carver, the Henry Wallace — folks who start companies, who make scientific advancements,' Vilsack says. More: Iowa biodiesel plants idled after Biden administration fails to provide new tax guidance Like Borlaug, Carver and Wallace are Iowa icons. Carver, born into slavery, earned bachelor's and master's degrees at what's now Iowa State University and taught there before joining the Tuskegee Institution in Alabama, where he achieved international fame helping Southern farmers shift from cotton to peanuts and rejuvenate depleted soil. Wallace, the son of an early ISU agriculture professor who met Carver when he was young, drew on Carver's lessons in plant genetics and was a leader in U.S. farmers' adoption of hybrid corn seed. Amid a career that included serving as agriculture secretary, commerce secretary and vice president under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Wallace formed what became Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Co., which later merged with Dupont and now is part of Corteva Agriscience. How does Iowa fit into the global effort to fight hunger? Vilsack said Iowa, with decades of public and private investment in improving farming, plays an important role in helping to feed the world, exporting billions of dollars in grain, meat and renewable fuel globally. Even so, Iowans may not fully appreciate the World Food Prize Foundation, despite its year-round work and annual event, said Vilsack. Iowans are proud of their state fair, but there are 49 other state fairs, he said. 'The World Food Prize event doesn't happen anywhere else,' he said. He said he wants the foundation to "deepen and broaden the awareness of what we do' and sees its mission resonating with Iowans, who have an 'incredibly soft spot in their heart for kids.' Many who most lack food security in the U.S. and the world are children. Iowa children's futures are 'directly connected to the stability of the world, and the stability of the world is directly connected to whether people are getting adequate food, so that they can recognize their potential, and so that they can create middle classes, and that they can create a functioning agricultural economy,' said Vilsack. What is Tom Vilsack most proud of during his time at USDA? Some 'people think of USDA, and they immediately think of farmers. As they should,' Vilsack said. But the department's mission also encompasses food and nutrition, rural development, food safety, research, forestry services, marketing and regulatory activities and animal health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has about 100,000 employees and a nearly $200 billion budget. 'I got like 12 children here, and to say which one I love the most is just really hard,' Vilsack said. Still, he is particularly proud of USDA achievements that include creating 'new and better market opportunities for small-and mid-sized farming operations," an investment that's led to increased rural population after decades of decline; improved school lunch and summer food programs; a framework to reduce salmonella outbreaks; and addressing past racial discrimination in agriculture through lending and other farm programs. He also said that while California is battling devastating wildfires, 'the risk of catastrophic fires has been reduced" as the USDA has used preventive practices such as prescribed burns, mechanical tree thinning and increased logging. Only Iowan James "Tama Jim" Wilson served more than Vilsack's 12 years as agriculture secretary. Wilson's 16-year tenure from 1897 to 1913 under Presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft made him the longest-serving of any Cabinet secretary in history. Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at deller@
