It is important and necessary for the USDA to continue to look for ways to expand income opportunities for farmers.

I will work with you. I commit to doing that.

What I learned from that experience and what I would share with this Committee is that discrimination comes in a variety of forms.

Today, our country and the Department of Agriculture again face historic challenges.

The Department of Agriculture was founded by President Lincoln as 'The People's Department.'

The last Iowan asked to serve as Secretary of Agriculture was Henry Wallace. He served with extraordinary distinction during a period of historic challenge.

It is a great honor and privilege to be nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to lead the Department of Agriculture at this crucial time.

There is no simple, easy answer or a quick answer to the question you have asked.

Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated in this Department.

None of us should be satisfied that there are children going to bed hungry.

Wellness and prevention have to be at the core.

I am committed to this.

We need to figure out ways and strategies in which we can create some sort of glidepath that basically provides stability in this industry.

So my hope is that, A, we can establish a 21st century system using the best available science; and, B, that we can do a better job of coordination and cooperation with other Federal agencies.

It is a very important aspect of the Department and one that I am absolutely committed to working on.

I look forward, if I am confirmed, to working with this Committee and with the Congress and with the administration.

I take it very seriously, and I would appreciate the opportunity to have this privilege.

I would say that I am not familiar with your farming operation, but if I were you, I would be listening to Chuck Grassley.