Voices for Agriculture: Kip Tom

Talking to a room full of meat-industry leaders, seventh-generation Indiana farmer Kip Tom explains the role agriculture plays as a pillar in the country's national security.

"Without food, we would not be a national power," he says.

Tom, 69, was already well-known in farming circles before he opted to run for Congress in 2016. He lost his race, but increasing his voice as a farmer landed Tom a role overseeing the influence of American food internationally while serving as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture during the Trump administration.

Seeing the struggles of countries trying to feed themselves and the instability created by hunger left a lasting impression on him.

Talking to members of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Tom said agriculture needs to increase crop production and re-establish a stream of domestic inputs for crops, noting too many crop-protection products are imported. There are challenges, including supply chains, labor and regulations. The country needs a national agricultural strategy.

"We have the best beef, pork, lamb and poultry in the world. The qualities are the best. And, we need to sell that quality, because I don't think anyone else can compete with us," he explained. "And, that gives us American food power."

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-- https://tomfarms.com/…

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