- News
- March 19, 2010
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Thicke’s ‘New Vision’ for Iowa agriculture offers Voters clear choice from the status quo
by Francis ThickeDES MOINES – After filing his nomination papers for Secretary of Agriculture this morning, Francis Thicke told reporters at the Iowa State Capitol that “our food production system is broken and must be fixed.” Thicke then summarized his “new vision for Iowa agriculture” that will result in more locally grown foods, a more profitable, resilient and stable agriculture, and protection of air and water quality in Iowa communities.
“I will provide the vision and leadership needed to lead the way in reversing decades of bad farm policies that have driven independent family farmers out of business,” said Thicke. “Unchecked corporate mergers have created powerful agribusiness giants that dominate the market and control much of what we eat and drink,” said Thicke, who owns and operates an 80-cow grass-based dairy farm near Fairfield.
Pointing out that more than 80% of the $8 billion worth of food consumed annually in Iowa comes from out of state, Thicke said he believes we should grow much of that food here in Iowa. “Iowa needs to lead the way in taking back our food system and that will begin with my election as Secretary of Agriculture,” he said.
Thicke deplored the growing level of market concentration and control by a few corporations, restricting open competition. He cited as examples the fact that four companies process over 85% of our beef cattle in the U. S., two companies sell 50% of our seed corn, four firms control over 55% of the turkey and broiler markets, and one company controls 40% of our milk supply.
“Five companies dominate the grocery sector, ensuring that the low prices paid to farmers are not passed along to consumers at the store,” lamented Thicke. “We must reverse this trend of a few corporations controlling our food supply”.
“I represent a new vision for Iowa agriculture that will expand our local food production, develop renewable energy systems for agriculture, and foster animal production systems that are ecologically sound, socially responsible and humane,” pledged Thicke. “I will also work to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink,” he said.
“We need to become proactive in preparing Iowa agriculture for the end of cheap oil, which is on our doorstep now. It is time to think beyond making corn ethanol for cars on the highway. It is time to put development efforts into sustainable renewable energy systems that can power agriculture and put more profits in the pockets of farmers,” he said. “We in Iowa can show the nation how to create a more profitable and stable agriculture and a more efficient food system,” he concluded.
Thicke has a Ph.D. in agronomy and has served in the U. S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D. C. as National Program Leader in Soil Science. He received the Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture in 2009 from the Leopold Center at Iowa State University. He is also a recipient of the Steward of the Land Award presented by the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club.
