FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

Monday, October 15, 2004

Rep. Stephanie Herseth on the resignation of Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman:

“I am hopeful that the administration will nominate a new Secretary of Agriculture whose focus better reflects the priorities of South Dakota’s producers. Secretary Veneman’s resignation presents a tremendous opportunity to nominate someone who will fight for mandatory country-of-origin labeling, equitable disaster relief, smart endangered species policies, adequate conservation funding, and trade agreements that benefit family agriculture.

“As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I have worked hard to voice South Dakotans’ concerns about BSE, country-of-origin labeling, and disaster assistance with the Secretary of Agriculture. Too often, the current leadership at USDA has failed our state’s producers. My hope is that a new Secretary will bring a new willingness to work together for bipartisan solutions to the issues facing South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers.”