The dairy industry could be gaining a major political force as changes throughout the Capitol continue. As Obama exits his role as Commander-In-Chief, his appointment for USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack, is rumored to be vaulting off of his position into becoming President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).
An anonymous source familiar with Vilsack’s plans has disclosed to news source Agri-Pulse that the current USDA Secretary will be executing this particular post-exit plan when he leaves office this month. Vilsack has served under the Obama presidency for all eight years.
The organization’s most recent President, Tom Suber, retired from the position at the end of 2016. Suber has been USDEC’s President since its inception in 1995. The USDEC is a non-profit membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S dairy producers, and works to expand U.S. dairy products throughout the globe.
Vilsack also noted in an email, according to Agri-Pulse, that though there is lots of speculation on his next position he would not release an official statement until after leaving his post, claiming: "I am focused on my current job and several items to get across the finish line."
Politico noted that Vilsack has held a plethora of dairy-focused experience in his USDA role, and most notably helped broach a compromise on the 2014 farm bill for a dairy insurance program.
Vilsack’s office and USDEC will neither confirm or deny the rumor, a spokeswoman for USDA also stated that she could not confirm Vilsack’s plans. In the past, Vilsack alluded both to returning to his home state of Iowa, and also focusing on the country’s next generation of leaders.
Will the dairy industry soon gain influence from a Vilsack confirmation? Deli Market News will keep you apprised.
