Scott Hutchins would serve as the undersecretary of research, education and economics
By Diego Flammini
Staff Wrirter
Farms.com
An agribusiness executive could be the newest addition to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
On Monday, President Trump announced his intent to nominate Dr. Scott Hutchins, the global leader of integrated field sciences for Corteva Agriscience, to be the next undersecretary of research, education and economics.
His work with Corteva, the new agricultural division of the DowDuPont merger, includes pesticide development.
Hutchins is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska, and also a former president of the Entomological Society of America. And his colleagues feel he’s an appropriate choice to be the USDA’s chief scientist.
“His credentials in both science and leadership are hard to match, and he knows first-hand the value of research, government and industry working together to support agriculture and serve society,” Michael Parella, president of the national entomological society, said in a statement Tuesday, sciencemag.org reports.
The undersecretary’s responsibilities include identifying, addressing and prioritizing “current and emerging agricultural research, education and extension needs,” the United States Code says.
If he receives Senate confirmation, Hutchins would take over for Sam Clovis, who resigned from consideration for the position in November.
Hutchins’s prospective boss is optimistic he can bring extensive knowledge and experience to the USDA.
“I am very excited by the selection of Dr. Hutchins for this leadership role at USDA,” Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture, said in a statement Monday. “His extensive background in research and commitment to sound science and data make him exceptionally qualified for this post, and I am eager to have Dr. Hutchins join the team.”