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This is not intended to be too much of a buzz-kill during the honeymoon that America is having with pres-elect Barack Obama, but I am saddened and maddened by his appointment of Iowan Tom Vilsack (fig.1) as Secretary of Agriculture in his upcoming cabinet. This dude Vilsack, former governor of Iowa, was a pioneer biotechnologist, founder of the Governor’s BioTechnology Partnership, outward advocate of genetically engineered foods, and frequent rider of Monsanto private jets. In a socio-political climate ripe with rhetoric of “green” and “sustainable” reform, one might think that substantial changes in food production might actually be on the horizon. But to appoint as Secretary of Agriculture a man who actively endorses industrial farming, genetic engineering, seed patenting, and the contentious giant Monsanto itself, is a slap in the face.

Oh, and he also authored the seed preemption act (or something of a similar name) which prevents local organic growers from having any say overwhere genetically engineered seeds are planted. I guess I just hope that our standards remain high, and that the frenzy surrounding Obama is more sincere than just an expression of relief after a time so grim.