3 posts tagged “secretary of agriculture”

Slow Food LA webmistress Lisa Lucas sent around a compilation of reactions from the sustainable food community:

"Civil Eats," the successor to the Slow Food Nation blog, notes the news and offers an "immodest proposal" for Obama's food policy.

Tom Philpott at Grist weighs in with his initial impressions.  And further suggests that we shouldn't be surprised by the choice...adding today that having this much attention paid to the Ag Sec choice is, in itself, a good development.

Bonnie P. at The Ethicurean agrees that Vilsack isn't the best (and isn't the worst).

And Steph Larson points to an online letter to Vilsack now collecting signatures, urging Vilsack to followup on Barack Obama's campaign promise to make a real change in agriculture policy.

Marion Nestle is disappointed but is "willing to give [Vilsack] the benefit of the doubt, at least for awhile."

Also this morning, NPR talked with Michael Pollan about his reaction to the Vilsack announcement:

It looks like Tom Vilsack will be Obama's pick for Secretary of Agriculture.  Vilsack recently told Grist:

"My hope is that we transform from the traditional farm policy to a food-and-farm policy that encourages greater diversity in agriculture, including incentives for food production and enhanced conservation practices."

This selection could have major implications in the food world.  What do you think about this choice?  Let us know by adding a comment below.

I'm writing to you as a person consumed with the culture of food who is having an uncharacteristic moment of optimism regarding our ability to help create real change.  I write to you as a member of the Stewardship Council of Roots of Change.  We have been working very hard to connect with people and organizations across the country to push the ideal of a sustainable food system forward.

People constantly ask me what they as individuals can do besides shopping at the Farmers Markets to make a difference in the crazy way we deal with food in this country.  My answer is always the same.  GET POLITICAL.  You must make your voice heard.  With the start of this new administration we have an incredible opportunity to communicate our passion on this issue.  Obama's people are already listening.

There is still an opportunity to see a new Secretary of Agriculture put in place who is committed to sustainability. It will only happen if you sign the petition on the following web site.

http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/

Please sign the petition and let family and friends know. We want to have 50,000 signatures by tomorrow evening. We had 10,000 yesterday and over 27,250 today! It is working. 50,000 signatures in five days will show the Obama team a bold decision is necessary and will be supported by the American people.

Today, Nicholas Kristof's wrote a piece in today's NY Times supporting the petition.

Thank You.  I think you're beautiful and you deserve a hug.

Evan