Egg Recall Creating Demand for Local Foods

We can produce more of the food we eat right here in Iowa to enhance our economy, our food security and our environment. Growing more of our food in Iowa represents a potential multi-million dollar economic development opportunity.

Thicke: Opponent Lacks Leadership, Political Will To Watchdog Egg Industry

Thicke, the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 2 election, said Northey continues to make excuses for failing to exercise his authority, found in Iowa Code Chapter 198, to inspect a feed mill at Wright County Egg believed to be the source of a strain of Salmonella enteritidis that sickened about 1,600 people and led to the recall of a half-billion eggs. Northey has disputed he has such authority and has asked the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to help him understand the law.

Thicke Lays Out Action Plan To Return Integrity To Iowa-Produced Eggs

Ag secretary challenger calls for adoption of regulatory framework that has worked successfully in Maine for 22 years SPENCER, Iowa, September 11, 2010 – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture candidate Francis Thicke (pronounced TICK-ee) today proposed regulatory framework modeled after a program that has been used successfully in Maine for 22 years to return integrity to [...]

Northey Can Find Feed Mill Oversight in Chapter 198

Mr. Northey should reread Iowa Code Chapter 198 which specifies that a mill that sells feed or provides feed to a contract feeder is subject to licensing and inspection. By Iowa law, the contaminated mill should have been licensed and inspected.

Democrat Francis Thicke says Iowa Ag Secretary should step up, take responsibility

Bill Northey denies that he has any authority related to the contaminated eggs, and he has given no indication that he wants authority in this arena.

Francis Thicke: Egg recall exposes vulnerabilities in industrial food system

Northey has touted egg production from hens in battery cages as an economic boom to Iowa and boasts that a single battery-cage facility in Iowa produces all of the eggs for McDonald’s restaurants west of the Mississippi River.

Thicke Steps into Current Iowa Ag Secretary’s Backyard

Francis Thicke steps into the current Ag secretary’s backyard to meet voters. Bill Northey, the Republican incumbent, is known for advocating the benefits of corporate monopolies in our food systems. Bill Northey accepts contributions from known predatory seed manipulation companies and monopolies.

THICKE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR IOWA SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

We are nearing a dramatic crisis with our food. Everything setup to help keep U.S. citizens fed relies on fossil fuels. As these fuels run dry, food prices will skyrocket in the United States and globally. We need sustainable leaders in office to help lead the way to a more energy efficient food system. Please help keep America’s food safe by electing Francis Thicke.

Former Ag Candidate Denise O’Brien Endorses Francis Thicke

Denise O’brien has endorsed my candidacy for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. On another blog, Bleeding Heartland, Denise was quoted saying “I have pledged my support to Francis. He has an excellent background to be a strong leader of our state agriculture department.