The appointments to senior USDA jobs have been all over the board, reflecting an agency that has proponents ranging from huge agribusinesses, i.e. ADM; fertilizer/biotech companies, i.e. Monsanto; and factory farms, i.e. Smithfield; to the generally smaller organizations advocating sustainable agricultural practices, i.e. Rodale Publications, organic food growing, i.e. Tilth, and direct marketing of farm produce to farmers markets across the country.  So, sometimes we get someone as good as Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, the organic food proponent, sometimes we don't.

Jill Richardson, who writes at La Vida Locavore and has written a book on agricultural and food policy that will be published in July, tells us that she is excited about another recent appointment.  Dudley Butler has been appointed as the Administrator of GIPSA, the Grain Inspection Packers & Stockyards Agency.  Here's what Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture says about Butler:

"Dudley Butler has a solid understanding of issues impacting the agriculture industry and brings a lifetime of experience to the USDA that will help keep our food supply safe.  He's also demonstrated a commitment to helping rural America prosper, which is consistent with the vision that the President and I share."

Here is what Jill says about Butler after researching his background:  "Butler is incredibly knowledgeable about all of the ins and outs of livestock contracts and the livestock industry as a whole - an industry that suffers from massive industry concentration that prevents fair competition. Butler was on a steering committee for the 'Market Reform Coalition,' a group devoted to restoring and maintaining 'a fair, open and competitive market for all livestock producers.' The group adopted principles of 'free, open, competitive markets with price disclosure that reflects true market value' and 'commitment to delivering high quality, safe, healthy products to consumers'."

Thanks to Jill for staying on top of our nation's agriculture and food policy.  She will be in Seattle in September to talk about her new book and we'll let you know when that happens.