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Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman
www.usda.gov
Ann M. Veneman was sworn in as the 27th Secretary of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 20, 2001. Her
lifelong commitment to food and farm issues, along with her
bipartisan approach to solving problems and confronting new
challenges, are reasons that explain why she was chosen by
President George W. Bush to serve in his Cabinet and
unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Growing up on a family farm in a small rural community,
Ann Veneman understands well the issues important to
America's farmers and ranchers. She has spent much of her
career dedicated to food and agriculture issues and advancing
sound U.S. farm and food policies.
President Bush has often said that the spirit of the American
farmer is emblematic of the spirit of America, signifying the
values of hard work, faith and entrepreneurship. Secretary
Veneman believes strongly in these principles and since taking
office, has worked to foster economic opportunities for farmers
and ranchers, ensure a safe and wholesome food supply, protect
agriculture against pests and diseases, encourage conservation
and environmental stewardship, invest in rural communities, and
support the next generation of agricultural leaders through new
educational opportunities.
Secretary Veneman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience
to the USDA. She is no stranger to managing the complexity of a
large government agency and working with the Congress. Her
management style encourages teamwork, innovation, and mutual respect
in forging common sense solutions to issues facing American
agriculture.
From 1991 to 1993, Veneman served as USDA's Deputy Secretary,
the Department's second-highest position. She also served as Deputy
Undersecretary of Agriculture for International Affairs and Commodity
Programs from 1989 to 1991. Veneman joined the USDA's Foreign Agricultural
Service in 1986 and served as Associate Administrator until 1989.
From 1995 to 1999, Veneman served as Secretary of the California
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), managing agricultural programs
and services for the nation's largest and most diverse agricultural
producing state.
Secretary Veneman's extensive background and experience has been valuable
since taking office as American agriculture has confronted critical issues
such as new farm policy, international trade, homeland security,
environmental stewardship and food safety.
Within months of taking office, Secretary Veneman released the Bush
Administration's vision for American agriculture through the publication
of Food and Agricultural Policy: Taking Stock for the New Century. This
publication outlines the Administration's priorities for farm sector
policy, trade expansion, infrastructure enhancement, conservation and the
environment, rural communities, nutrition and food assistance, and USDA
program integration. The report, available on USDA's website at
www.usda.gov/farmpolicy/farmpolicy.htm
has received widespread praise for its candor and forward-looking vision.
Secretary Veneman has played a key role in eliminating trade barriers
and expanding opportunities for American farmers through new export
markets. She has worked closely with U.S. Trade Representative Robert
Zoellick, helping lead to the successful launch of a new round of trade
negotiations for the World Trade Organization.
Following a devastating outbreak of foot and mouth disease in parts of
Europe and the tragic events of September 11th, Secretary Veneman and
her team acted swiftly to respond to potential threats and continues
working to strengthen USDA's protection systems. The Secretary has been
an advocate for strong pest and disease, food safety and research programs
to ensure U.S. agriculture and consumers have a safe, wholesome food
supply and the infrastructure to protect it.
Secretary Veneman has been a strong advocate of agriculture education
and established the "Leaders of Tomorrow" initiative to strengthen
USDA education programs, particularly those involved with mentoring
young adults.
The Secretary earned her bachelor's degree in political science from
the University of California, Davis, a master's degree in public
policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a juris
doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.
In a personal capacity, she serves as a board member of the Close Up
Foundation, a nonpartisan civic education organization.
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