Environment

Obama Nominates Sustainable Agriculture Expert for USDA Post

by Geneva B | February 24, 2009 at 01:08 pm

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Supporters of small-scale, independent farming everywhere should applaud Obama's choice for the USDA's second highest post, deputy secretary. Kathleen Merrigan, a recognized advocate for local and organic foods, is an assistant professor and Director at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston.

"We at the U.S. Department of Agriculture welcome the President's intention to nominate Dr. Merrigan," said Secretary Tom Vilsack. "She will bring to USDA extensive expertise in agricultural marketing and nutrition and in legislative affairs and will provide excellent, experienced leadership as we move President Obama's agricultural and nutritional agenda forward."

The nomination is welcome news for sustainable agriculture advocates that were disappointed with the confirmation of Vilsack -- who they saw as too closely allied with large-scale corporate agriculture. Sustainable agriculture and environmental groups urged the Obama transition team to pick someone with a strong background in food, conservation and sustainable agriculture for the No. 2 spot.
Merrigan was on the "sustainable dozen" list of potential USDA undersecretaries endorsed by high profile "foodies" like writer Michael Pollan.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition also praised the pick yesterday, calling Merrigan a "lifelong supporter of family farmers and sustainable and organic agriculture."

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fishermansdaughter

at 09:29 on February 26th, 2009

The Last Organic Outpost photo was taken of the organic garden space created by Joe Icet and lots of friends in Houston Texas. This green oasis on top of concrete has gotten many people involved in growing food right in their own, not very wealthy (to grossly understate it), neighborhood. It's a beautiful place.

I was among the people to be disappointed by Obama's choice of head honcho of agricultural decision making, but maybe this second selection is his way of attempting to balance out the extremes of the ways we feed ourselves. Thank you for this story! Happy to be able to contribute an image.

Geneva B

at 14:27 on February 26th, 2009

I love hearing about this! You might want to check out the story I just posted on a town in the U.K growing their own food. Thanks for your contribution!