ISU alumnus named executive director of Farm Service Agency
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The next state executive director for the Farm Service Agency, John Whitaker, said Monday that one of his goals is to interest more young people in farming.
President Obama’s administration announced Friday that Whitaker, who earned two bachelor’s degrees from Iowa State, will serve as the agency’s next executive director.
“John Whitaker has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” said Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, in a press release.
Whitaker said he sees direct marketing of natural meat and direct marketing of fruits and vegetables as two areas that could draw more young people in Iowa to farming.
He said that since he hasn’t actually started as director, he couldn’t say exactly how he could meet that goal, but he said he thinks “that’s something we could work with the university on.”
Another goal of Whitaker’s is to make sure the Farm Service Agency administers programs in a fair and efficient manner, no matter how big or small the farm is.
Whitaker has served in the Iowa Legislature since 2003 and previously served as the president of the Iowa Farmers Union.
Whitaker has owned a family farm since 1979, according to the press release.
President Obama’s administration announced Friday that Whitaker, who earned two bachelor’s degrees from Iowa State, will serve as the agency’s next executive director.
“John Whitaker has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” said Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, in a press release.
Whitaker said he sees direct marketing of natural meat and direct marketing of fruits and vegetables as two areas that could draw more young people in Iowa to farming.
He said that since he hasn’t actually started as director, he couldn’t say exactly how he could meet that goal, but he said he thinks “that’s something we could work with the university on.”
Another goal of Whitaker’s is to make sure the Farm Service Agency administers programs in a fair and efficient manner, no matter how big or small the farm is.
Whitaker has served in the Iowa Legislature since 2003 and previously served as the president of the Iowa Farmers Union.
Whitaker has owned a family farm since 1979, according to the press release.
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