Tom Vilsack: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Name: Thomas James Vilsack
Position: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Biography
Thomas James Vilsack, widely known as Tom Vilsack, was born on December 13, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a seasoned American politician and lawyer with a long-standing career in agriculture policy. Vilsack has served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture since February 24, 2021, under President Joe Biden. Notably, he also held this role under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017, making a substantial impact on agriculture policies during his tenure. His work has been instrumental in shaping the agricultural framework and providing direct support to the dairy industry.
Current Place of Work
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Important Events
In a noteworthy development under Tom Vilsack's leadership, the USDA announced a compensation program for dairy farmers affected by H5N1 avian flu infections. This program promises to compensate farmers for 90% of the value of milk lost due to these outbreaks among their herds. Recognizing the challenges faced by dairy farmers, this initiative aims to provide crucial financial support and stability within the industry. Furthermore, Vilsack revealed plans for an anticipated vaccine to address the H5N1 virus's impact on cattle and milk production. This strategic approach highlights Vilsack's proactive measures to secure dairy farmers' livelihoods and maintain the robustness of milk supply chains.
These actions underscore Tom Vilsack's dedication to fortifying the dairy industry and tackling its critical challenges, ensuring economic viability and operational stability amidst threats posed by animal diseases.
Sources:
- USDA Official Website
- White House Administration
- Statements from U.S. dairy groups
Modified: 2025/02/04