Tuesday, March 03, 2009

President Obama Selects Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

President Obama announced his choice of Kathleen Merrigan as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, the number two post in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Merrigan, a board member of The Organic Center, was chair of the Center's Science and Technical Advisory Council, helping to direct The Organic Center’s work with universities and research labs across the country and experts in agriculture, health and nutrition.

“Kathleen’s thorough knowledge of the science behind the organic benefit as well as her involvement at such a high level at USDA is sure to bode well for organic agriculture and sustainable food systems,” said Steven Hoffman, The Organic Center’s managing director, in a statement. “The Organic Center wishes Kathleen well in her nomination as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. She is sure to help build awareness of and interest in organic food and farming on a national level.”

And according to Christine Bushway, the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) executive director, OTA supports Merrigan’s nomination. “Kathleen's extensive background in organic agriculture in this key USDA position can only serve to heighten awareness and support for the industry at the federal level,” she said.

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