A group of Tennessee farmers and agricultural industry partners recently traveled to Washington D.C. to support Obion County farmer, Stephen Vaden, during his confirmation hearing as the next U.S. deputy secretary of agriculture.
“It is an honor to come before you today as the president’s nominee to serve as deputy secretary of the U.S. department of agriculture,” said Vaden during his nomination hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
A native of Union City, Judge Vaden grew up working with his father on his family’s diversified row crop farm, instilling in him a lifelong passion for agriculture. This passion has guided his impressive career, which spans agriculture, law and public service. Currently serving as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, he brings a unique understanding of agriculture’s role in international markets.
“I need no refresher course on why low commodity prices are harmful to the futures of rural communities,” said Vaden. “Should I be confirmed, I would be entering the department at a time of uncertainty for producers. Agriculture, for the first time in living memory, is dealing with a structural trade deficit. The only way out is to open new markets for American producers to sell their crops.”
There’s hope for the Senate to take up Judge Vaden’s confirmation in May, and the agricultural community, especially in Tennessee, looks forward to the profound impact he will make for Tennessee and American farmers.
