The Vilsacks have two adult sons and two daughters-in-law-Doug, married to Janet and Jess, married to Kate. Pleasant, Iowa, his wife Christie’s hometown, where he practiced law. After graduating from law school, Vilsack moved to Mt.

In addition to his post at USDEC, he also served as a Strategic Advisor to Colorado State University’s food and water initiatives.Ī native of Pittsburgh, Penn., Vilsack was born into an orphanage and adopted in 1951.

There, he provided strategic leadership and oversight of USDEC's global promotional and research activities, regulatory affairs and trade policy initiatives. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) from 2017 until February 2021. Prior to returning to USDA, he served as president and CEO of the U.S.

He received his bachelor's degree from Hamilton College and his law degree from Albany Law School in New York. Prior to his appointment, he served two terms as the Governor of Iowa, served in the Iowa State Senate and as the mayor of Mt. Vilsack was the longest-serving member of President Obama’s original Cabinet. USDA is investing in bold solutions that enhance food safety, improve the various far-reaching and powerful nutrition programs in the Department, and reduce food and nutrition insecurity in America.Īdditional Background on Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Secretary Vilsack is also focused on ensuring Americans have consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable food. By working to ensure all aspects of civil rights and equity are integrated, USDA is rooting out generations of systemic racism and building systems and programs inclusive of all USDA employees and customers. Secretary Vilsack continues to take bold, historic action to reduce barriers to access for historically underserved communities. Additionally, USDA is advancing investments in science and research to offer producers a toolbox to adapt to and mitigate climate change. USDA is engaging the agriculture and forestry sectors in voluntary, incentive-based climate solutions to improve the resiliency of producers and to build wealth that stays in rural communities. It will also offer consumers affordable, nutritious food grown closer to home.įrom excessive drought to more extreme fires, our producers, farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines confronting the challenges associated with climate change. Secretary Vilsack is spearheading a transformation of the food system by creating more, better, and fairer markets and ensuring that the food system of today and the future is more resilient and more competitive globally. Department of Agriculture is Investing in America by restoring the American economy, strengthening rural and historically underserved communities, responding to threats of climate change, creating good-paying jobs for American workers and the next generation of agricultural leaders, and investing in our kids and our families. Under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, the U.S. He was nominated by President Joe Biden to return to a role where he served for eight years under President Barack Obama. Vilsack was confirmed as the 32 nd United States Secretary of Agriculture on Feb.

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