Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, who brought the issues of corn subsidies, overproduction, bioengineering, and more to a much larger audience is weighing in on the Vilsack pick. When asked by Salon.com for his reaction he said:
"Am I thrilled? You know look, if I missed something, he didn’t use the word food in his comments this morning. His focus is very much on production and agriculture. His record in Iowa does not give much one much reason to believe he’s going to bring a reformist agenda to the Department of Agriculture. Though there are some glints of light in that record. He’s shown some interest in developing local food economies in Iowa, which is encouraging. He’s in favor of capping subsidies in a serious way and moving the savings to conservation. The fact that he’s Tom Harkin’s pick gives me some grounds for hope."
But also noted that Vilsack has close ties to biotech and expanded confined animal feeding operation.
"He was biotech governor of the year. And he has very close relations to Monsanto. As with every other pick, the focus is on the Nixon-in-China scenario, the hopeful fantasy, which is that these people will be able to drive reform in their bureaucracies -- that's the story of this Cabinet. Whether that comes true or not, we’re just going to have to wait and see."
Yes, yes we are.
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