Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

In a conference call today, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack set out the key areas the American people can expect the USDA to focus on, under the new Obama administration.

The top priorities he identified included promoting a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply for all Americans and people around the world. He further stated that combating childhood obesity, enhanced healthy nutrition, and supporting research in the health care debate would be a key focus. Vilsack also announced that the USDA will work on achieving Obama's target to eliminate child hunger by 2015.

Vilsack identified that another key area the USDA will be working on under the new administration would be research development in additional bio-fuels. The USDA will support the survival of the bio-fuel industry whilst promoting policies that will speed up the development of second and third generation feedstocks for these bio-fuels and in turn increase the potential to secure America's energy security and independence. He will lead the USDA in it's efforts to adopt management practices that promote and provide clean air, clean water and wildlife habitat. The USDA aim to support the profitability of farmers and ranchers, developing markets that reward them for carbon sequestration and eliminating greenhouse gases.

Vilsack concluded by stating that: "We have some serious challenges and many opportunities to pursue here at the USDA. I am looking forward to working with the dedicated employees of the USDA and all the departments to fulfill President Obama's desire of effecting change, promoting a stronger, more vibrant and more economically viable royal America".