Letter Supports Clovis For USDA Undersecretary Post

A letter from 23 organizations was sent to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee in support of the nomination of Dr. Sam Clovis for USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.

Published: July 28, 2017
Updated: July 28, 2017

July 21, 2017

The Honorable Pat Roberts
The Honorable Debbie Stabenow

Dear Chairman Roberts & Ranking Member Stabenow,

We, the undersigned organizations, write in support of Dr. Sam Clovis to be the USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.  We encourage swift action by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee to confirm his nomination.

As you know, we are strong proponents of our premier agriculture research and education system in this country.  It is the backbone for the productivity on our farms and ranches across the country.  We believe Dr. Clovis shares this passion and will work with you and interested stakeholders to maintain and improve this great American heritage.

Some have suggested that Dr. Clovis is not qualified for this position due to his lack of hands-on science and research experience.  We do not share this point of view.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture already employs some of the finest and most dedicated scientists in the world.  They do not need a peer.  They need someone to champion their work before the Administration, the Congress, and all consumers around the world.

Dr. Clovis is dedicated to preserving and improving this remarkable system. Most importantly, he is dedicated to making sure that the world’s best available science is being used by all government agencies to determine appropriate regulatory and policy decisions.

Thank you for considering our views.  Again, we encourage swift action to approve his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Sincerely,

Amcot
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Soybean Association
National Barley Growers Association
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Corn Growers Association
National Cotton Council
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Grange
National Milk Producers Federation
National Pork Producers Council
National Potato Council
National Sorghum Producers
National Sunflower Association
Southern Peanut Farmers Federation
Southwest Council of Agri-Business
United Egg Producers
USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council
U.S. Apple Association
USA Rice Federation
U.S. Canola Association
U.S. Dry Bean Association
Western Growers Association