Tom Vilsack

the bill protects some of Montana's wildest back country areas as wilderness.

I support the inclusion of language in proposed legislation that states it will not impact funds from other regions or forests.

These performance goals are ambitious but sustainable and achievable provided there is sufficient funding to allow the Forest Service to prepare and implement stewardship contracts.

One of the most significant challenges we face in our National Forests is finding greater common ground among environmentalists, forest industry, and rural communities.

I want to again thank Senator Wyden for his leadership and strong commitment to Oregon's national forests.

I know Senator Wyden is considering a number of approaches to enact legislation that would codify the work of the stakeholders in this region-specific project.

We hope that the Korean Free Trade Agreement's passage will provide momentum for the passage of the other two free trade agreements.

The USDA looks forward to working with the Congress in evaluating proposals for dairy policy reform.

I think that the food safety proposal that you passed is a very good, significant step forward.

We are very supportive, obviously, and hope to have quick ratification, of the Korean Free Trade Agreement.

I have a deep concern about the cliff that some folks want to create, in terms of the incentives that are currently in place for the biofuel industry.

Will these reductions be easy? No. If I had my druthers, I'd like to live in a world where we had unlimited resources and we didn't have to deal with these issues.

The program is focused on rural America.

we recognize full well the nature of agriculture could be difficult tomorrow. There does need to be a strong safety net.

I'd like to think it's the latter, Mr. Chairman. But in all seriousness, we at USDA recognize the responsibility because of the people that we work with and represent and work for--the folks in rural America.

We will invest in research to spur innovation, promote exports, support renewable energy and conservation, and enhance critical infrastructure in rural communities.

I think that's incredibly important.

Scientific research is essential for achieving [our] goals. To promote American innovation, new discoveries, and new industries, we continue to target and focus additional research dollars in key areas, like biofuel feedstocks, livestock…

We want it to be done quickly, because, obviously, we risk the possibility of Korea making a deal with Australia and other countries.

Every $1 billion of agriculture sales creates 8,000 to 9,000 jobs.

What are the three top priorities that you have for the year for the Department? And why would those be your three top priorities?

Wood has a vital role to play in meeting the growing demand for green building materials. Forest Service studies show that wood compares favorably to competing materials.

Two things that concern me most are access to credit and capital in rural America and whether or not we are actually going to have a generation of farmers to replace those who are now averaging 57 years of age.

We have developed a different approach on biotechnology from an international perspective.

I encouraged the Administrator to take some time to visit and actually get on the farm and see what is going on in various operations.