Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified at the first Senate Ag Committee Farm Bill hearing Thursday – emphasizing the importance of America’s farmers and agriculture industry. He says the U.S. relies on American agriculture for its food, feed, fiber and fuel. Also – he says U.S. producers preserve the environment and help drive the national economy. Vilsack says USDA supports farmers in their domestic responsibilities and international role – and seeks to conserve the nation’s natural resources, build thriving rural communities and ensure every American has access to healthy, safe, affordable food.

As legislators prepare to write a new farm bill – Vilsack says they will have to discuss how USDA continues to support those various goals. But the Secretary also understands there will be fiscal and political realities about the size of the debt, deficit and tight budget environment on the process. He says USDA is prepared to do as much as they can with fewer resources – but he has no doubt that cuts will have real impacts for American agriculture and the American people. Vilsack is asking top leaders at USDA to think creatively about how they do business – and asked the legislators do the same as they write the next farm bill.

Vilsack also asked Ag Committee members to give USDA the flexibility to serve American ag and the American people as effectively as possible. While prescriptive programs are appealing – Vilsack says they can make it difficult for USDA to deliver the best results for Americans. Giving USDA that flexibility and time needed to adjust can make a big difference – according to Vilsack – who also asked legislators to recognize that the U.S. has to grow its way out of the deficit – not just cut its way out. He stresses that USDA is ready to adapt and innovate – but they need clear goals and resources to get there.