Thomas Vilsack quotes

Thomas Vilsack is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held this position under multiple administrations. He is recognized for his extensive work on agricultural policy and rural development. Here are 47 of his quotes:

My friends, history, history calls us to this time and to this place. A solemn choice rests with us - where do we go from here? Do we move slowly and incrementally? Or do we seize the challenge of our time and tackle the great issues of our day. (Thomas Vilsack)
Let us tackle the big issues with bold ideas that transform Iowa to accomplish our shared mission to grow Iowa, and realize our shared vision of Iowa as the best place to live, work and raise a family. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
In the past 40 years, the United States lost more than a million farmers and ranchers. Many of our farmers are aging. Today, only nine percent of family farm income comes from farming, and more and more of our farmers are looking elsewhere for their primary source of income. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
If we can get people to focus on fruits and vegetables and more healthy foods, we'll be better in terms of our healthcare situation. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
Quality, affordable housing is a key element of a strong and secure Iowa. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
We have a long tradition in this state of caring for our neighbors - it is truly an Iowa value. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
The future of healthcare security should include flexibility from the federal government to allow us to serve the state's most vulnerable citizens. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
Technology has allowed us to have more drought-resistant crops. The spotty nature of drought, the spotty nature of rains can sometimes result in better yields than anticipated. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
The rise of childhood obesity has placed the health of an entire generation at risk. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
The lack of access to proper nutrition is not only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our children. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
In his first year in office, President Obama pulled us back from the brink of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression and worked to lay a new foundation for economic growth. The president identified three key strategies to build that lasting prosperity: innovation, investment, and education. (Thomas Vilsack)
Every dollar of SNAP benefits generates $1.84 in the economy in terms of economic activity. If people are able to buy a little more in the grocery store, someone has to stock it, package it, shelve it, process it, ship it. All of those are jobs. It's the most direct stimulus you can get in the economy during these tough times. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
I think we all share the same goal, which is a United States of America that inspires people and leads. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
Food is a fairly significant aspect of my life. I have struggled mightily with food. With my weight. And I'm conscious of it. So I have a sensitivity to people who struggle with their weight. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
Now our job, our duty, our responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our citizens cannot be complete unless we guarantee health care security for our citizens. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
The Obama administration will continue to fight for a comprehensive immigration solution that includes AgJobs and a stable workforce for our farms. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
What Republicans have done in my view is that they are systematically dismantling a sense of community in America. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
In 2011, agricultural exports hit a record high and producers saw their best incomes in nearly 40 years. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
There are a lot of farmers and ranchers who are struggling. I get on my knees every day. If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
The food pyramid is very complicated. It doesn't give you as much info in a quick glance as the plate does. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
Over the past two years, the Obama Administration and USDA have worked to build a foundation for sustainable economic growth in rural America. At the center of our vision is an effort to increase domestic production and use of renewable energy. (Thomas Vilsack)
One out of every 12 jobs in the economy is connected in some way, shape or form to what happens on the farm. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
There is more potential for economic growth in rural America than at any time in decades. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
I grew up in a city. My parents would think there was something wrong with America if they knew I was secretary of agriculture. View quote
Thomas Vilsack
Local and regional food systems are about opportunity. View quote
Thomas Vilsack