WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry reacted to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement of plans to reorganize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create an Undersecretary for Trade and reorganize other key agencies within the Department:
“I applaud Secretary Perdue for taking steps to implement provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill to create an undersecretary position focused on trade and agricultural exports. American agricultural products are in high demand across the world and our farmers and ranchers deserve a strong voice to help them access new global markets.
“However, I have real concerns about eliminating the Undersecretary for Rural Development. This proposal would eliminate an important voice for rural America and bypass Congress’s role to confirm a qualified nominee.
“I also have questions about realigning the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). While I hope this move will better coordinate programs that help farmers, it is critical that this change does not diminish the important work NRCS does to protect our land and water.
“I am committed to working with Secretary Perdue to ensure that any organizational changes will work for farmers, families, and Rural America.”
Stabenow served as Chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee during the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill, which directed the USDA to elevate the international trade functions of the Department, by establishing an Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs position. The addition of this position has broad bipartisan support of members of Congress and industry groups. In February, 29 agriculture groups sent a letter to President Trump urging him to create an Undersecretary for Trade.
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