Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s official “exit memo,” posted by the White House web site, warns Congress that farmers are facing hard times and will need continued help from USDA. He also urges lawmakers to pass legislation to extend nutrition standards for schools.
Reflecting on the past eight years, Vilsack cited progress in: rural economic development; combatting rural substance and prescription drug abuse; record agricultural production and exports; improving nutrition and access to healthy foods for Americans; safer food and greater consumer confidence; investing in research and development; and others.
Vilsack also listed several “action items” for the new administration and the 115th Congress. The full memo can be read on the White House website here.
