Organic Farming Research Foundation Statement
On the Obama Administration’s Plan to Nominate
Kathleen Merrigan as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
Issued by OFRF Executive Director Bob Scowcroft,
Monday, February 23, 2009
“President Obama’s intent to nominate Kathleen Merrigan as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture is a strong signal that his administration is determined to encourage an open, science-based approach to food and farming that seeks fairness for all parties in our food production system.
“Merrigan’s background as the former head of the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service, Senate Agriculture Committee staff member and current director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment Program in the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts ensures she will move seamlessly into the Deputy’s post to lead with authority and vision.
“The USDA should be as much about the food on our tables as the crops in our fields, and Merrigan brings a clear understanding of both realms to the post. There is no doubt she’ll work fairly with all stakeholders to strengthen the entire agricultural community.
“Merrigan’s solid academic and policy background as well as her clear understanding of the day-to-day operations of the USDA make her an ideal deputy in helping to move the USDA’s legislative and administrative agenda forward.”
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