Vilsack Backs Sand's Farm Policy Proposals in Iowa

Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand received an endorsement from former Iowa Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for his farm policy proposals. Vilsack praised Sand's 'innovative' approach, saying it would have a profound impact on both the farm community and rural communities.

Vilsack has been a proponent of manure digesters that process manure into renewable natural gas, which can add an additional revenue stream for farmers. He said that American farmers have been in a 'farm crisis since 1973' due to a focus on productivity and production, leading to the loss of nearly a million farms over the past 50-60 years.

Sand's plan includes investing in programs that will diversify family farms with technologies like manure digesters. Vilsack said this approach addresses the fundamental weakness of current farm policy, which benefits only large-scale operations.