The American Soybean Association (ASA) today applauded the nomination of former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as the nation’s 30th Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack is the first Iowan chosen for the key Cabinet post since Henry A. Wallace, a noted farm editor and agriculturalist, was named to the post in 1933.

"ASA is delighted with President-Elect Obama’s choice of Governor Vilsack," said ASA Chairman John Hoffman, a soybean producer from Waterloo, Iowa. "As Governor, he was an early and strong advocate for renewable fuels, including soy biodiesel, as well as biotechnology, which is so important to modern agriculture."

Hoffman points out that Governor Vilsack is very knowledgeable about agriculture, including the role that farm programs play in the livelihoods of producers of soybeans and other commodities. Hoffman and the leadership of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) worked closely with Governor Vilsack during his eight years as chief executive of one of the nation’s leading agricultural states.

"Coming from an ag state that is number one in soybeans, corn, pork, turkey and egg production, Tom Vilsack recognizes the importance of agriculture on the U.S. economy," Hoffman said. "As ISA President, I met with Governor Vilsack numerous times and found him to be responsive to the concerns of soybean farmers, and I fully expect as Secretary of Agriculture he will be an excellent spokesperson for U.S. agriculture."

As Iowa governor, Vilsack worked to balance the competing needs of high-tech agriculture with environmental and consumer interests. He was co-founder of the Governors Biotechnology Partnership, and a strong supporter of renewable fuels mandates and their importance to the economic viability of rural America. Vilsack participated in missions with ISA leaders promoting exports of Iowa ag products. Hoffman said Vilsack understands the value of ag exports and believes he will be a strong advocate for fair trade agreements within Obama Administration.

"Tom Vilsack understands the importance of NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) programs that help producers protect our natural resources and provide stewardship of the land we all depend upon for our food production," Hoffman said. "As governor, he was very supportive of ISA environmental and conservation initiatives, and saw the value of biotechnology and its importance in meeting future demands while protecting our natural resources."

ASA points out that Vilsack’s familiarity with the diversity of Iowa agriculture will serve him well in his new role as Secretary of Agriculture. He was especially supportive of bringing young and beginning farmers into production agriculture.

Vilsack entered politics in the small rural town of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he was elected to the town council. After serving as mayor from 1987-1992, he was elected to the state senate, and then served as Governor 1999-2007. He was one of Iowa’s most popular governors, and made a brief run for the Democratic nomination for President after leaving office in 2007.

ASA joins other commodity organizations in calling for the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Governor Vilsack when his name is officially submitted in January.