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Klobuchar Questions Agriculture Secretary Nominee Vilsack

Focuses on biofuels, forestry, farm safety net and sugar program

January 14, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Today at the confirmation hearing for President-elect Obama’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar highlighted the importance of a strong agricultural economy.  Klobuchar focused on the need to expand homegrown energy sources to create new jobs in rural areas while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. 

“As the former Governor from our neighboring state of Iowa, Governor Vilsack understands the unique agricultural and livestock issues that face our working farmers and ranchers,” said Klobuchar.  “If rural America is going to prosper the Department of Agriculture must make the investments and reforms to create jobs and help our families.”

“I am hopeful that his Midwestern values and background will be a strong voice to ensure that the department meets the needs of rural American while continuing to provide a safe, abundant food supply and sources of renewable energy.”

Klobuchar also underscored the need to review forestry budgets to help prevent and fight forest fires, like the Ham Lake fire that devastated Northern Minnesota in 2007.  Klobuchar stressed the importance of the farm safety net to Minnesota farmers, including the improved sugar program that passed in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Klobuchar serves on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, which must approve Vilsack’s nomination.

Photo caption:  U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar questions Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack (in foreground) at a confirmation hearing on Wednesday morning.

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