Ask John

Is new Agriculture Secretary tied to cattlemen?

Dear John,

Thank you for The Food Revolution. It's really terrific. In it, you are very specific about the many people in the Bush administration who, via the revolving door with industry, have major ties to Monsanto and other biotech companies. You mention, for example, that Ann Veneman, the Secretary of Agriculture, was formerly a director of Calgene, now owned by Monsanto, and the company that brought forth the first genetically engineered food in U.S. supermarkets. Does Veneman also have ties to the beef industry?

Mary

Dear Mary,

Yes, USDA Secretary Ann Veneman certainly does have strong ties and loyalty to the beef industry. Her chief of staff, Dale Moore, is the former head of legislative affairs (chief lobbyist) for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Take care,

John

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