Ethics statements required in accordance with the Presidential Transition Act have now been completed by representatives of the incoming Administration. Members of the transition team are required to conform to an agreement pledging avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Completion of this formality should allow transition in the Department of Agriculture. Ms. Brooke Rollins has been nominated as Secretary of Agriculture and should begin discussions with outgoing Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Urgent issues include:-
- Control of avian influenza in the poultry and dairy industries,
- Trade conflicts, especially with imposition of proposed tariffs,
- Reorganization of responsibilities within the Department,
- Elimination of DEI and giveaway programs
- Assisting legislators in the 119th Congress to resolve conflicts over the delayed Farm Bill.