Governor and Former Ag Secretary Vilsack On Biden and Food Health

Audio version:

Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack needs a bigger business card. The newly minted CEO of the World Food Prize just completed his second White House cabinet run under President Joe Biden, previously serving in the Obama administration. Vilsack discusses food health and gives his perspective on President Biden’s mental acuity in office.

As new CEO of The World Food Prize, Governor Vilsack has moved on from politics and is now focusing on The World Food Prize and Iowa Hunger Summit on July 16th. He explains why having The World Food Prize in central Iowa is a major blessing, and many Iowans have no idea this global gem exists downtown Des Moines.

From the White House to the heart of Iowa, Governor Tom Vilsack has pivoted from cabinet-level policymaking to global food leadership. In this episode, he joins Justin Brady to reflect on his years as Secretary of Agriculture under two presidents, share insights on the national food policy he helped shape, and discuss his new mission as CEO of the World Food Prize. With a renewed focus on tackling global hunger and championing sustainable agriculture, Vilsack explains how Iowa is uniquely positioned to lead the world in food innovation—and why more Iowans should recognize the treasure they have in downtown Des Moines.

Vilsack opens with vivid recollections of serving in two presidential administrations, reflecting on unique moments such as flying on Air Force One, meeting Pope Francis, and dancing near Paul McCartney at a White House party. He shares insights into the breadth of responsibilities held by the USDA, equating the Secretary role to being a governor of all 50 states.

“Everything that a governor does during the year, every issue, every mission area of a state government, I had under my purview,” said Vilsack, underscoring the USDA’s expansive mandate.

Agriculture, Food Equity, and Structural Challenges in Rural America

Vilsack delves into the deep-rooted economic and social disparities facing small and mid-sized farms. He candidly explains the imbalance in farm income distribution and the resulting pressures on rural communities, tracing how policy decisions since the 1970s have contributed to today’s struggles.

“In the best year we ever had in farm income, nearly 50% of farms didn’t make any money at all,” Vilsack states, emphasizing the urgency for inclusive agricultural reform.

He outlines initiatives from his USDA tenure that aimed to restore balance, including programs incentivizing local food purchasing and nutritional improvements in school meals. He also revisits the transition from the confusing food pyramid to the more practical MyPlate initiative developed alongside Michelle Obama.

Scaling Ag Tech Without Sacrificing Sustainability

Turning to current challenges, Vilsack warns against unchecked industrial agriculture and highlights promising models that transform farm waste into economic and environmental assets. He explains how methane digesters and advanced composting can both reduce runoff and create new income streams for farmers.

“A problem that has caused pollution becomes four to five benefits for that operation,” he notes, advocating for systems that support environmental health and profitability.

Leading the World Food Prize and Tackling Global Hunger

As CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, Vilsack outlines an ambitious agenda: tackling rising food insecurity, fostering youth involvement through the Borlaug Youth Institute, and celebrating global scientific breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture. With 733 million people currently food insecure worldwide, he stresses the link between hunger and conflict.

“If you don’t feed people, you feed conflict,” he quotes, referencing laureate Kerry Fowler.

Vilsack also previews the upcoming Iowa Hunger Summit on July 16 and the October World Food Prize events, emphasizing their role in convening global leaders and innovators in food security. He invites listeners to engage via worldfoodprize.org.