U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed attendees at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, Friday. Vilsack spoke mainly about the USDA’s plans for 2014 and the ongoing implementation of the recently-adopted farm law.
“With the passage of the farm bill, it seems to me that at USDA we have three basic responsibilities. We need to continue the profitability of large-scale commercial sized operations. We need to continue to promote programs and policies that will ensure that profitability will remain. Commercial size operations are important to this country and to our ability to continue to feed our people and the world's people. At the same time, we have the responsibility to preserve and expand mid-sized operations coming up with new ways to create income opportunities so folks don't necessarily have to give up the farm. For me, that's extremely important and I know it is for you as well.
“And our final responsibility to assist smaller-sized operations, those that are our beginning farmers and ranchers, women, minorities, social disadvantaged, our returning Veterans who are interested in reconnecting with the land. We have a responsibility to enable them to start and stay in this business. “
Vilsack said one of his department’s first actions under the new law will be to restore disaster assistance payments for livestock owners as soon as possible. He said applications for those who have suffered losses will be taken beginning April 15th.
“ And we will work very hard shortly thereafter to make sure the resources are paid. We want to make sure that we keep as many operators in business as possible,” he said.
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