With Merrigan's appointment, the USDA may stand up for organic agriculture. (Photo: Melody Ko, courtesy of Tufts University)

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—President Barack Obama said he intends to pick Kathleen Merrigan, PhD, a current assistant professor at Tufts University and sustainable farming advocate, to fill the No. 2 position at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

THE DETAILS: If confirmed, the choice would be a huge win for the organic farming community. In fact, years ago as a Congressional staffer, she helped develop the first organic regulations. She was federal agency administrator of the USDA from 1999 to 2001, where she mandated national organic standards and pesticide data collection. She’s been critical of misleading food labeling and antibiotic use in livestock.

Merrigan also consulted for the United Nations and helped plan research into organic food systems. Currently, she is assistant professor at Friedman School of Nutrition Science and policy director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment Program and the Center for Agriculture, Food and Environment at Tufts. “Kathleen’s thorough knowledge of the science behind the organic benefits, as well as her involvement at such a high level at USDA, is sure to bode well for organic agriculture and sustainable food systems,” says Steven Hoffman, managing director of The Organic Center, a nonprofit organization supporting organic farming research. Merrigan has served on TOC’s board for several years.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Research shows that organic farming produces healthier food, keeps soil healthy, and can be a major weapon in countering global warming. Do your part to make organic agriculture a government priority: Let your elected leaders know safe, sustainable food should be on their plate this session by supporting her confirmation. Find your reps here.