U.S. Department of Agriculture

Name: Tom Vilsack

Title: Secretary of Department of Agriculture

Official Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Roles:

• Select organizations to inspect equipment of farms and other agricultural facilities

• Issue certificates to those who comply under agreements, giving them permission to carryout certain actions.

• Makes regulations to organizations in the chapter that are needed to ensure the functioning of the department; Can deny or give the organizations of the chapter the right to inspect equipment and have certificates.

• Can make inspections of facilities that are in the process of trying to receive certificates of compliance.

• Mandates the submission of reports to the department of agriculture of people/facilities desiring a certificate of compliance or an organization of the chapter that wants to test equipment.

• Makes sure that reports are filed and reviewed for seekers of certificates of compliance and organizations in charge of inspecting equipment.

• Must tell the Secretary of State about matters concerning agreements being made (who then informs the House)

• Can do whatever action is necessary to implement the agreements and maintain the objectives and of the Department of Agriculture.

In other words, these powers are used to:

• strengthen our agricultural economy
• boost and energize rural communities
• protect and conserve America's natural resources
• ensure a safe and healthy food supply for all Americans.
  

Quote
"I am heartened that net farm income is projected to increase about 20 percent, or almost $16 billion, from the previous forecast. That's the second highest figure since the mid-1970's. OR as we stated in the briefing room the second highest inflation-adjusted value for net farm income recorded in the past 35 years. "

• Significance: This quote shows the secretary's concern and interest in the economy of the agricultural industry and his trying to get the lowest prices possible for farmers and agricultural workers.

Video of Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzPyBtVY1d4&feature=fvsr

After a survey showed 15% or more Americans experienced "food insecurity" within the past year, Vilsack explains the causes of this problem, primarily the recession, and what the USDA is doing to help, such as working to provide food stamps to those who qualify.