(WASHINGTON D.C.) — On Thursday afternoon, three USDA undersecretary nominees received their confirmations by the U.S. Senate to officially begin their roles at the Department of Agriculture.
Missouri farmer Richard Fordyce received full confirmation as Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation. Dudley Hoskins was confirmed as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Dr. Scott Hutchins was confirmed as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics.
Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) congratulated the three nominees in a statement saying in part that “filling these key USDA roles is essential to carrying out President Trump’s agenda for rural America. Dudley Hoskins, Dr. Scott Hutchins and Richard Fordyce bring strong agricultural experience and are well-equipped to serve farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. I look forward to working with them as they advance USDA’s mission and strengthen communities through farm country and beyond.”
Other agriculture groups have issued their congratulations as well. Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said in a statement that “we applaud the Senate for approving the nominations of these leaders, all three of whom have extensive experience in agriculture and have shown a commitment to American farmers and rural America. We look forward to working with them to advance the interests of the nation’s 500,000 corn farmers.”
“Each of these leaders brings deep experience, policy expertise, and a proven commitment to U.S. agriculture,” said National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “Their leadership will strengthen USDA’s ability to serve farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, while advancing fair, science-based policies that support America’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. They also understand both the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agriculture today and the importance of kick-starting the rural economy. NGFA and our members look forward to working with them as they take on these critical roles.”
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture celebrates the confirmation of Fordyce, Hoskins and Hutchins. “NASDA members work collaboratively with our federal partners for shared goals such as food safety, animal and plant health, agricultural statistics and many other areas across the industry,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “State departments of agriculture need the strong leadership of highly qualified individuals like Mr. Fordyce, Mr. Hoskins and Dr. Hutchins who understand the challenges and opportunities facing American agriculture. Their confirmation will strengthen the partnership between USDA and state departments of agriculture and help ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of farmers, ranchers and consumers across the nation.”
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauded the news as well. “President Trump has been in office for eight months and there are still numerous vacant positions across the federal government. These vacancies delay the ability of federal agencies to craft policy and address issues facing America’s cattle producers,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We thank Majority Leader John Thune and all the senators who voted to advance this slate of highly qualified nominees. With new confirmed officials, important teams under USDA, the Interior Department, EPA, and CEQ can be even more effective in serving America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
