JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDFU) – North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne made the following statement today on President-elect Joe Biden’s expected nomination of Tom Vilsack for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

“Family farmers and ranchers have a great leader in their corner in Tom Vilsack. Throughout this transition process, Farmers Union has encouraged President-elect Joe Biden to choose a secretary who understands North Dakota agriculture. Tom Vilsack clearly recognizes the challenges our family farmers and ranchers face.

“With his expansive knowledge and experience as USDA chief in the Obama administration, he’ll be able to hit the ground running on Day 1. We look forward to working side-by-side with him to restore competition in the food and agriculture supply chain, establish stable access to international markets, strengthen the farm safety net, and promote development of biofuel markets.”