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Vilsack to focus on dairy market access

Tom Vilsack says accessing more markets for U.S. dairy products is a priority in his upcoming role with the U.S. Dairy Export council.  He says, “There are regulatory barriers that are confronting American agriculture in dairy on an ongoing basis, and it’s our job at USDEC to make sure that we respond to those barriers, that we push back on them and tear them down if we can.”

The former Agriculture Secretary tells Brownfield he knows the incoming Trump administration is opposed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership but informing the new administratTrans-Pacific trade agreements affect agriculture will be part of his new job.

Vilsack says leading the U.S. Dairy Export Council is a dream job, and will allow him to work for great people, advocate for American agriculture, and promote the American brand.

Vilsack told Brownfield retiring Dairy Export council President Tom Suber and others have been discussing this opportunity with him since early December.  “Tom (Suber) was engaged and involved.  Tom Gallagher from DMI was engaged and involved. A variety of producers also reached out to me.”

Vilsack says this new role will give him the flexibility to both work in Washington D.C. and spend more time with his family in Iowa.  He starts February first.

As reported on Brownfield, the U.S. Dairy Export Council officially named Vilsack as their next President and CEO Tuesday morning, January 17th, 2017.