FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: https://www.youngfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Screen-Shot-2021-08-17-at-2.19.49-PM-2-1.png, National Young Farmers Coalition
press@youngfarmers.org , 518-643-3564 ext. 722
Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2021) – Earlier this morning, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of USDA Secretary-designate Thomas J. Vilsack. Secretary-designate Vilsack shared his priorities for leading the USDA forward, including addressing the challenges of climate change, food and nutrition insecurity, open and competitive markets, and racial inequality.
Co-Executive Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, Sophie Ackoff, released the following statement after the hearing:
“We appreciated hearing Secretary-designate Vilsack’s comments on expanding conservation programs to address climate change, strengthening local and regional food systems, protecting essential farm and food system workers, and combating racial inequity. We hope for many more substantive discussions on proposals about building greater accountability into USDA systems to ensure that all producers–especially young farmers and farmers of color–are able to benefit from federal assistance and access the land and resources needed to be successful.”
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The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is a national grassroots network of young farmers fighting for a brighter, more equitable future for U.S. agriculture. Visit Young Farmers on the web at www.youngfarmers.org, and on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.