Agricultural News
From the 2011 Commodity Classic- Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack Preaches the Importance of Agriculture to Overall Economy
Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:00:19 CST
The setting was not quite a brush arbor- and no one passed the offering plate- but US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was in his revival mode on Friday at the 2011 Commodity Classic, as he spoke to leaders of the four commodity groups that come together for this event- the National Sorghum Producers, National Association of Wheat Growers, the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association. To hear the speech delivered by the Secretary- click on the LISTEN BAR below for those remarks from Tampa.
Vilsack, slapping the podium, offered a passionate defense of biofuels and proclaimed that agriculture could show the rest of the America out of the economic desert that they have been wandering around in- only if they would take notice.
In addition, the Obama administration, Vilsack insisted, understands the "significance and importance" of foreign trade.
The Secretary also thanked the crowd for helping to meet President Obama's challenge to double U.S. exports and create several million new jobs by 2014. But despite the recent export gains, Vilsack pointed out that only 1% of U.S. companies export, and yet 95% of the world's consumers live outside the borders of the United States.
He highlighted several new opportunities on the horizon for U.S. agriculture, including bio-based products and energy, and argued the rest of country needs to pay attention to what's occurring in rural America less debt, lower unemployment, and more economic innovation.
"The farmers in this room have provided the prescription that this nation must follow to get itself back totally on its feet," Vilsack said.
He forcefully reiterated the administration's commitment to expand use of biofuels and, to the delight of his audience, railed against those who blame increased use of corn-based ethanol for higher food prices, calling the food versus fuel argument "irritating."
Despite the smallest U.S. corn supply in 15 years, the USDA Chief left little doubt that he believes farmers will produce enough corn in 2011 to meet feed, fuel and export needs.
"You should never ever bet against the American farmer because if you do, it's a losing bet."
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