By JERRY HAGSTROM, CongressDaily
With his two latest picks for key USDA posts, President Obama is signaling a possible shake-up in several programs that have historically gotten little attention, including nutrition and agricultural research.
Kevin Concannon, director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, has been tapped to be USDA undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services -- a post that oversees, among other things, the food stamp program -- while Rajiv Shah of the Gates Foundation has been nominated for USDA undersecretary for research, education and economics. Both appointments, announced Friday, require Senate confirmation.
The undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services has traditionally not been a high-profile position. But with food stamps and school meals programs, known formally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, now totaling about 68 percent of the department's budget, or $80 billion, that is set to change.
The child nutrition programs are scheduled for reauthorization this year, and Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack want to make the fight against child obesity a priority. The position will be critical as the debate over child nutrition and obesity policy are likely to lead to conflicts among agricultural sectors over what foods the government buys and what messages it sends the public.
As Iowa governor, Vilsack appointed Concannon as director of the department in 2003, and Vilsack's successor, Democratic Gov. Chet Culver, reappointed him in 2007. Iowa DHS is in charge of food assistance as well as cash welfare and medical aid programs.
Meanwhile, Shah's appointment could be controversial, as a physician whose work in agriculture has focused on developing countries, not the land grant college system. After working on former Vice President Al Gore's 2000 presidential run, Shah joined the Gates Foundation in 2001 and supervised its health program before becoming director of agricultural development.
In that job, he has managed the foundation's grant-making portfolios in science and technology, farmer productivity, market access, and policy and statistics. The Gates Foundation recently funded a Chicago Council on Global Affairs report that concluded the U.S. Agency for International Development should take a bigger role in agricultural research. It also called on Congress to repeal a U.S. law forbidding government funding on product research that foreigners could use to compete with U.S. agriculture.
If approved, Shah would oversee the research activities at USDA laboratories and the land grant colleges while setting more broadly the tone for USDA research. There have been continual battles between the smaller land grant colleges, which prefer formula grants that go to each school based on the size of its enrollment, and the bigger land grant colleges and other universities, which prefer competitive grants.
Some policymakers argue USDA research money is wasted because it is doled out to too many schools through formula funds, while others claim that the bigger, more prestigious schools win competitive grants because their grant-writing departments are superior. Lawmakers often use earmarks to get USDA money to land grant institutions in their states.
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Lost in Transition does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.
Responded on December 22, 2011 3:04 PM
Peter
The preview of the displayed image is associated with the original file. A click on the icon next to the image preview will lead you to the source. Thanks for sharing the informative post. signs of a cheating spouse
Responded on December 22, 2011 8:22 AM
allen kafka
I consider you’ve created some genuinely exciting points. Not too most people would in reality consider about this the way you simply did. I’m really impressed that there’s a lot about this topic that’s been uncovered and you also did it so tremendously, with a lot class.
medical information office specialist
Responded on December 22, 2011 5:05 AM
Allan
From 1996 to 2005, Donley was a Senior Vice President at Hicks and Associates, Inc, a subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation, and a consultant to DOD and the State Department on national security matters таблетки для похудения идеал отзывы
Responded on December 22, 2011 2:54 AM
Eli
As Deputy Executive Secretary he oversaw the White House Situation Room and chaired interagency committees on crisis management procedures and continuity of government масло льна для похудения отзывы
Responded on December 21, 2011 8:52 AM
Lavoie Danielin
Do you know how to become a DJ?
Responded on December 15, 2011 3:10 PM
Mark
The exercises represent our ethos to inspire change through creativity and aim to make people stop and think about the bigger picture. Minitruck Parts
Responded on December 15, 2011 3:03 PM
Candice
The fight against child obesity is proving to be quite a challenge due to conflicts among agricultural sectors, but gradual progress is being made in the fast food industry at least. green tea weight loss
Responded on December 9, 2011 2:22 PM
Glen
It is not so much the idea that generates interest and debate but the varying interpretations of how the concept might be translated into practice. English London Escorts
Responded on December 5, 2011 11:19 PM
Health and Welness Articles
Kevin Concannon who is the director of the Iowa Department of Human Services has been tapped to be USDA undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.This was a remarkable decision taken by the president of America.
Health and Welness Articles
Responded on December 5, 2011 2:55 PM
Harry
The amount of assistance varies in each region, and also includes subsidies for maintenance, repairs, and linking to plants with technical standards. adultfriendfinder review
Responded on December 5, 2011 10:37 AM
heluxtech
vERY NICE POST. I've read this
post and if I may I desire to suggest you some interesting things or
suggestions.
heluxtech
Responded on November 12, 2011 12:22 PM
wholesale designer handbags
http://www.inpolitics.ro/liang-liang_b2328/-fitflops-could-possibly-be-an-additional-blueprint-_50150.aspx
Responded on November 11, 2011 3:15 PM
payday loans online
Thanks for sharing this post, good way of bring this subject to discussion.
payday loans online
Responded on November 10, 2011 9:43 AM
payday loans online
Monday to cut off debate on the nomination of Christopher Hill to be U.S. ambassador to Iraq, clearing the way for a final vote on his appointment today.
payday loans online
Responded on November 6, 2011 6:19 AM
linda
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back someday. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice evening! we've got many new users here who recently got an Apple iPod touch. To use it you must first download and www.ipod.com. The instructions to download it and install it are below. ipod.com is needed in order to sync your device, and also to download or sync applications or music from the App Store.
Responded on November 1, 2011 5:19 AM
onlinesolutionproviders
It's the best time
to make a few plans for the future and it's time to be happy. I've read this
post and if I may I desire to suggest you some interesting things or
suggestions.
online accounting
Responded on November 1, 2011 5:17 AM
topbestairlines
I've read this
post and if I may I desire to suggest you some interesting things or
suggestions.
cheap flights
Responded on October 18, 2011 1:47 AM
Moving
let's hope that this action will them desirable result. But at this time you have to be somewhat brutal about some running program.
Storage Unit
Responded on October 17, 2011 10:49 AM
Kitchen Design
The Gates Foundation recently funded a Chicago Council on Global Affairs report that concluded.
Kitchen Design
Responded on October 15, 2011 4:41 AM
Warehouse
let's hope that this action will them desirable result. But at this time you have to be somewhat brutal about some running program.
Space Seller
Responded on October 15, 2011 4:38 AM
Warehouse
let's hope that this action will them desirable result. But at this time you have to be somewhat brutal about some running program.
Space Seller
Responded on October 9, 2011 5:24 AM
car insurance
widely considered to be a frontrunner to return to the post in advance of next year's population count but withdrew his name from consideration earlier this year.
car insurance
Responded on October 6, 2011 6:25 AM
affinityfaltu faltu
If approved, Shah would oversee the research activities at USDA laboratories and the land grant colleges while setting more broadly the tone for USDA research. There have been continual battles between the smaller land grant colleges, which prefer formula grants that go to each school based on the size of its enrollment, and the bigger land grant colleges and other universities, which prefer competitive grants.
Article Wizard Testbericht
Responded on October 5, 2011 6:26 PM
payday loans
Gover for the job. Similar groups are suggesting that Clinton Deputy Interior Secretary David Hayes could at least serve that role in an Obama administration. Hayes is a member of Obama's transition team.
payday loans
Responded on October 3, 2011 9:02 AM
kinvin
I will come to your website all over again while I need data associated with your website. Also I may suggest your site to my friends. Regards, asos voucher code
Responded on October 3, 2011 8:24 AM
download flash player
thanks for this nice and interesting article!
Responded on September 21, 2011 2:53 AM
jimmy
birkin bag in this Rank are produced from brought in set. They can indeed be sophisticatedly mass produced: Behaviour and even styles appear to be looked at mindfully. They seem roughly a bit like the certain old ones. This sort of primary involving Handbags is reasonably utilized by possible fans and patrons significantly assist discount prices after which reputable. Items utilized can consist of: top quality sturdy supplies not to mention accents employing brought in natural leather plus equipment.
Responded on September 18, 2011 10:02 PM
kate
I have found your blog long ago and continue reading it up-to-date! But now I have decided to register and write a comment for those who are here for the first time! Do not pass by!! Do not look at the site design! The content is surely what you need from this topic! Stay with us and enjoy! cheap handbags
Responded on September 1, 2011 6:04 AM
hamilton
I’m so glad to read the news about this molecule, greatly add to knowledge. Solar Panel
Responded on August 1, 2011 3:41 AM
swissgear backpack
This is something people need to know about. Your blog is really incredible and the design is really top notch. Really, your blog is incredible. swissgear backpack
Responded on June 28, 2011 8:16 AM
Freddy
This is a good plan that President Obama conducted many people will happy about this .
www.mahut.co.il/?categoryId=626
Responded on April 25, 2011 12:32 AM
Allen Santiago
This information is helpful and it is good to know about changing priorities of different aspects. Thanks for sharing this information.
iPhone App Development
Responded on February 18, 2011 12:54 AM
gerresf
The Senate voted 73-17 Monday to cut off debate on the nomination of Christopher Hill to be U.S. ambassador to Iraq, clearing the way for a final vote on his appointment today.cheap watches