Insight into USDA in the Obama Administration

In the blog post from The Rural Blog, "Salazar, Vilsack will be Cabinet's rural voices", and in an article in The Iowa Independent, "Vilsack the pragmatist: Incoming agriculture chief knows how to make friends on both sides of the aisle", those who are not familiar with former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack can see a glimpse of the nominee to become Secretary of Agriculture in President Barack Obama's administration. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays an important part in rural communities such as Hickman County, not only for its agriculture assistance, but also its role in rural economic development.

According to The Iowa Independent, "Vilsack’s most noticeable impact on rural Iowa (during his two terms as Iowa's governor) did not involve changes to agricultural policy or stricter environmental regulations, but rather tax credits and business incentives. His economic development efforts — most notably the Iowa Values Fund, which was designed to create grants, loans, and tax incentives for businesses who choose to locate in the state — have been credited for short-term successes in many corners of the state..."

From all indications, USDA and USDA Rural Development will continue to be a strong supportive partner in Tennessee and Hickman County economic development.
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