Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has written a farewell letter expressing his gratitude for approximately 90,000 Agriculture Department employees on his last day at USDA.
Vilsack said Friday USDA employees work to protect U.S. citizens from hazardous foods and forest fires; provide food for “struggling” families; foster the creation of new businesses; encourage support for local products; and address invasive species and diseases.
Vilsack was appointed as agriculture secretary in 2009 and previously served as governor of Iowa.
He also served as state senator and mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
