U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s selection of three individuals for key positions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The president announced Gregory Ibach as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), Bill Northey as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), and Stephen Vaden as USDA’s General Counsel.
The Under Secretary for MRP oversees three critical USDA agencies: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service; and the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration. The Under Secretary for FPAC oversees three critical USDA agencies: the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Risk Management Agency.
“I look forward to the confirmations of Greg Ibach, Bill Northey, and Stephen Vaden, and urge the Senate to take up their nominations as quickly as possible,” Perdue said. “This is especially important given the challenges USDA will face in helping Texans and Louisianans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.”
Regarding the individual selections, Perdue issued the following statements:
On Bill Northey:
“Bill Northey will continue his honorable record of public service in leading FPAC. Having served the people of Iowa for the last ten years as their Secretary of Agriculture, and as a fourth generation corn and soybean farmer, Bill has a unique understanding of issues facing farmers across the nation. He will be an invaluable member of the team.”
Bill will join us on Labor Day to discuss the promotion, listen here:
"The Iowa Soybean Association congratulates Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on his nomination tonight as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation," says President Rolland Schnell.
“I can't think of anyone more qualified than Secretary Northey to assist farmers with conservation and production practices in the undersecretary position. The fact he’s still raising soybeans and corn, utilizing cover crops and working to improve water quality and soil health on his Spirit Lake farm is proof.
“Northey is a longtime and trusted friend of the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa's farmers. We look forward to working with him on a host of pressing issues and challenges upon confirmation of his appointment to this important USDA post.”