Ann Veneman’s Key Accomplishments
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The Dec. 6 editorial, “New Farmer in Chief,” ignores key accomplishments at the Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Secretary Ann M. Veneman.
Significant food safety enhancements have helped reduce the prevalence of E. coli and salmonella in raw meat and poultry. Veneman put in place new safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
New forest rules have resulted in the treatment of a record 4 million acres for undergrowth in 2004 and intensified the fight against invasive species, treating 1.1 million acres. The proposed roadless rule is a straightforward collaborative path to conserving roadless areas by allowing for state-specific regulation.
In October 2002, the USDA announced national organic standards to provide consistent labeling on food products coast to coast.
Veneman put into place a regulatory system to ensure that biotechnology programs under USDA’s jurisdiction are strong and robust.
She leaves USDA a stronger and more effective organization.
Alisa Harrison
Director of Communications
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Washington
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