We need to always be vigilant on the sanitary issues.
Fortunately, when it comes to meat and poultry, I have the really wonderful situation of having producers and processors that produce and process a very high-quality product.
Food safety involves everybody in the food chain.
In beef trade issues, we base our decisions upon science.
The meat and poultry industries are outstanding industries, and it's going to be a very natural fit for me.
Our job is to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, accurately labeled for the benefit of the American consumers, and to make sure that they are in compliance with all federal laws.
Growing up on a dairy farm, you certainly learn discipline and a commitment to purpose.
The president has been a true friend of the ag industry, because he continues to invest large amounts of money at a time when savings is really the goal of the federal government to deal with the deficit.
The world is really figuring BSE out, and that's positive.
The goal is to normalize trade relations based on sound science and consumer protection.
I meet with people in the industry on an ongoing basis.
I never would have believed as a candidate for the U.S. Senate that the U.S. government could buy GM without a hearing, with no vote, yes or no. There are billions and billions of dollars at stake here.
In 75 foreign countries, we have a presence in the USDA.
Producers are so much better-educated in issues related to terrorism.
One of the things that I always say about bioterrorism, whether it's ourselves at the federal level, folks at the state level, or folks in the private industry, we've done many great things, especially since 9/11.
Science is the international language, so when we are able to convince countries that good decision-making for human health and animal health is based upon science, that's a real success story for us.
This president has said this has to be a priority for our nation, protecting our food supply from terrorist acts, so he continues to provide the funding that is necessary.
People enjoy our meat and our poultry, as I do as a consumer.
My goal with the Canadian border is the same goal I have for Japan and Korea.
On the professional side, those 18 years on the farm instilled my love for agriculture.
