The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates Tom Vilsack as he returns as head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack gained choice experience in the same role as part of President Obama’s administration and was known as a staunch supporter for renewable fuel initiatives, biotechnology advances, fair trade agreements and preserving the farm safety net.

“We appreciate that Secretary Vilsack always supported farmers and understood that they are a driving force for the rural economy,” ASA President and South Dakota farmer Kevin Scott said. “We are confident that he will continue to support producers and appreciate his ongoing commitment to seeking farmer input.”

Secretary Vilsack, who replaces Sonny Perdue, is from a large soybean-producing state (Iowa) and has vast agriculture knowledge, including that gained during his terms as Iowa governor and more recently, running a large agricultural organization. He has a history of advocating for biodiesel and biotechnology, with conservation being another priority. Vilsack has expressed his beliefs that climate can provide market opportunities for farmers and must be designed to ensure that the principal beneficiaries are farmers.

ASA looks forward to working with him on these priorities and other issues important to soy and agriculture. ASA represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues important to the soybean industry. ASA has 26 affiliated state associations, including the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and represents 30 soybean-producing states and more than 300,000 soybean farmers.