The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) on July 20 expressed support for the nomination of Dr. Sam Clovis of Iowa to be the next Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Economics, and Education. TFI also voiced support for the nomination of Indiana Agriculture Director Ted McKinney to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, a newly created position.
“We believe that Dr. Clovis will work with all stakeholders to ensure that American agriculture has the tools necessary to meet the many challenges ahead, and continue growing the food, fuel, and fiber to feed the world,” said TFI President Chris Jahn. Regarding McKinney’s nomination, Jahn said he will “bring unique experience to this position and quickly prove to be an asset to Secretary Perdue and the entire agriculture community.”
On July 14, TFI voiced support for quick Senate action to confirm Stephen Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association (ASA), as the next Deputy Secretary of USDA. “American agriculture could not find a stronger advocate in Steve Censky,” Jahn said. “If he is confirmed, his knowledge of the unique opportunities and obstacles facing agribusiness will be a tremendous asset to Secretary Perdue and the entire agriculture community.”