Greenberg on Vilsack
Tom Vilsack, President-Elect Biden’s choice for Ag Secretary, has been a presence in Colorado since his first tenure as Ag Secretary during the Obama administration. He has served as Advisor to Denver Water and along with his wife Christie Vilsack, a Strategic Advisor of Food & Water Initiatives at Colorado State University’s new Spur Complex.
Their son Doug, is assistant director for parks, wildlife, and lands at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
Colorado’s Commissioner of Agriculture says while her office was ready to work with whoever takes the job, Vilsack’s ties to the state have advantages.
Greenberg: “I think it sets Colorado up in a good way to have those relationships out of the gate. It doesn’t mean we’re going to have any special treatment. The Secretary serves the country. I think a lot of what President-elect Biden has on his ag agenda, we are moving the needle on here in Colorado. At least in those items that are the voluntary incentive-based efforts to move the ag economy forward.
Greenberg says the state is already communicating with the incoming Ag Secretary to advocate for Colorado hemp growers.
Greenberg: “The Interim Final Rule that was put forward by the Trump administration just doesn’t work for our hemp industry here in Colorado and so now is an opportunity to see if we can make a change.“
Vilsack took part in an online symposium with Governor Polis, Commissioner Greenberg, farmers, and ranchers just days before his selection. He has said the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the important connections between food and health.
