Perdue names leaders as USDA reorganization takes shape WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has named three individuals to acting leadership roles as the USDA continues the reorganization announced May 11.
In accordance with a directive in the 2014 farm bill, USDA created a new Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs as part of a realignment of several mission areas.
The reorganization also included a reconstituted mission area reporting to a newly-named Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation.
The U.S. Forest Service, given its size and importance, will be the only agency to report to the Under Secretary for National Resources and Environment.
For these three mission areas, Perdue has named Acting Deputy Under Secretaries who will serve in their roles until the Senate confirms permanent presidentially-nominated appointees.
Jason Hafemeister, until now serving as the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, will now be Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. He has been involved in agricultural farm and trade policy for over 25 years, including almost 20 at USDA and with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Agricultural trade is critical for the U.S. farm sector and the American economy as a whole. U.S. agricultural and food exports account for 20 percent of the value of production, and every dollar of these exports creates another $1.27 in business activity. Additionally, every $1 billion in U.S. agricultural exports supports approximately 8,000 American jobs across the entire American economy.
As the global marketplace becomes even more competitive every day, the United States must position itself in the best way possible to retain its standing as a world leader.
Dr. Robert Johansson will serve as the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, while also concurrently remaining USDA’s Chief Economist, a position he has held since July 2015. The Farm Production and Conservation mission area will focus on domestic agricultural issues.
Locating the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service under this domestically-oriented under secretary will provide a simplified onestop shop for USDA’s primary customers, the men and women farming, ranching,and foresting across America.
Dan Jiron will fill the role of Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. With more than 29 years of public service and natural resources management, Jiron was appointed Associate Chief of the Forest Service in July 2016. Under the reorganization plan, the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment will retain supervision of the U.S. ForestService.
As previously announced, Perdue has named Anne Hazlett to lead the Rural Development agencies at the USDA. Hazlett, whose title will be Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, will oversee the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Business Service and the Rural Housing Service. Hazlett’s position represents an elevation of Rural Development, which had previously been in the portfolio of an under secretary, who in turn reported to the deputy secretary of agriculture. Instead, Rural Development will now report directly to the Secretary of Agriculture.
Photo contest to spotlight Indiana agriculture
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting submissions for the 10th annual Indiana Agriculture photo contest, which was created to showcase the hard work and contributions made by Hoosier farmers.
The contest is open to the general public, and winning photographs will be featured during a ceremony at the 2017 Indiana State Fair. Contestantsare able to submit up to five photos in digital form (horizontal or vertical) and each photo must be accompanied by an entry form.
Entries must be submitted no later than June 30. All photos must be taken in the state by Indiana residents. Participants are encouraged to submit photos that reflect the wide array of agriculture. The categories are:
•Conservation: Highlighting Indiana’s natural beauty with photos of landscapes, water and wildlife
•Agritourism: This category includes seasonal and agricultural destinations, orchards, wineries, farmers’ markets and produce photos
•Faces of Agriculture: Featuring those who grow and produce food, fuel and fiber engaged in farming/agricultural activities
•On the Farm: Every building, piece of equipment or activity that is a part of life on an Indiana farm can be included Contest winners will have their photographs featured in the Offices of the Lt. Governor’s Family of Business in Indianapolis. Winners will also be special guests during the Celebration of Agriculture from 3:30-5 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Normandy Barn during the state fair. For entry and release forms, guidelines and criteria, visit www.in.gov/isda/2468.htm
Call for nominations to serve on national organics board
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a federal advisory committee that provides advice and recommendations to the USDA on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act. NOSB members are volunteers and come from across the organic community. Each member is appointed by the USDA to a five-year term.
USDA seeks nominations to fill one vacancy for an individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation to serve on the NOSB from January 2018-January 2023. The USDA is also seeking nominations for a pool of candidates to fill future unexpected vacancies in any of the seven position categories, should unexpected vacancies occur.
A person appointed to fill an unexpected vacancy will serve for the remainder of the five-year term of the vacant position. Committee member duties include attending committee meetings (travel paid by USDA); participating in bimonthly subcommittee conference calls; reviewing materials and/or recommending changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances; and advising the secretaryon other aspects of the USDA organic regulations.
Written nominations must include a resume, an AD-755 Application Form and a cover letter (optional), and must be postmarked on or before Aug. 7. For more information, visit www.ams.usda. gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/nomination-process
CME Group announces results from 2017 annual meeting
CHICAGO — CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CME) has announced shareholder voting results from its 2017 annual meeting May 24. At the meeting, shareholders elected Terrence A. Duffy, Timothy S. Bitsberger, Charles P. Carey, Dennis H. Chookaszian, Ana Dutra, Martin J. Gepsman, Larry G. Gerdes, Daniel R. Glickman, Leo Melamed, Alex J. Pollock, John F. Sandner, Terry L. Savage, William R. Shepard and Dennis A. Suskind each for a one-year term expiring in 2018.
In addition, the company’s Class B-1 shareholders elected Jeffrey M. Bernacchi, Gedon Hertshten and Howard J. Siegel for one-year terms; Class B-2 shareholders elected Ronald A. Pankau and David J. Wescott for oneyear terms; and Class B-3 shareholders elected Elizabeth A. Cook for a one-year term, each ending in 2018. |
