Washington, D.C. – Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose made the following statement on news reports that President-Elect Joe Biden will nominate Secretary Tom Vilsack to lead the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Farm Credit welcomes news that Secretary Vilsack will be nominated to return to USDA next year. His comprehensive knowledge of agriculture and passion for rural America was evident during the Obama Administration, and we look forward to working with him again in the Biden Administration,” said Van Hoose. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and added to the many challenges America’s farmers and ranchers face. There’s also a Farm Bill on the horizon. American farm families and rural communities will have a strong advocate with Secretary Vilsack leading USDA.”