The Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association both congratulate Tom Vilsack on being confirmed yesterday as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
“Congratulations to Tom Vilsack on being confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and this second opportunity to shape agriculture policy during the next four years. In his previous service as USDA’s leader, PMA and its members enjoyed collaborating with Secretary Vilsack on a number of critical issues facing the fresh produce industry—including fresh fruits and vegetables in school feeding programs, increasing SNAP benefits, supporting various USDA committees with industry insights--and we look forward to future partnership with the Secretary and his team,” says Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA. “In light of our announcement in joining the steering committee of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA), we also look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack on devising meaningful incentives, science-based metrics and durable policies for climate-smart agriculture that recognize unique aspects of the specialty crop industry."
“I want to congratulate Secretary Vilsack on his confirmation to once again lead the USDA after a resounding bipartisan vote in the Senate. Secretary Vilsack has long been a friend of the fresh produce industry. On issues ranging from food and nutrition security to labor challenges in agriculture, Secretary Vilsack has shown commitment to finding positive solutions,” says Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh. “We are particularly looking forward to working with Secretary Vilsack on a new Food Box program which has proved to be a critical step in providing healthy fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need, while supporting small farms and distributors around the country.”
For more information: 
Siobhan May
Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
SMay@pma.com
www.pma.com
Mary Coppola
United Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (202) 303-3425
mcoppola@unitedfresh.org
www.unitedfresh.org