Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 16, 2012–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and China's Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu today signed an historic Plan of Strategic Cooperation that will guide the two countries' agricultural relationship for the next 5 years. The plan was signed as part of the U.S.-China Agricultural Symposium held today at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The symposium focused on bilateral cooperation in the areas of food safety, food security and sustainable agriculture, as well as enhanced business relationships between the two countries.

"This symposium and plan are a product of a vision I share with my dear old friend Minister Han for the United States and China to work more collaboratively in the future to benefit our nations and agriculture around the world," Vilsack said.

"This plan builds on the already strong relationship our nations enjoy around agricultural science, trade, and education. It looks to deepen our cooperation through technical exchange and to strengthen coordination in priority areas like animal and plant health and disease, food security, sustainable agriculture, genetic resources, agricultural markets and trade, and biotechnology and other emerging technologies," he added.

Xi Jinping, China's vice president, opened the symposium and stressed the importance China places on supporting farmers and rural development, as well as on food security.

"China attaches great importance to food security, and ensuring a sufficient food supply for 1.3 billion people," Xi said.

In the 2011 fiscal year, China became the top market for U.S. agricultural goods, purchasing $20 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. The value of U.S. farm exports to China supported more than 160,000 American jobs in 2011, on and off the farm across a variety of sectors.

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INTRO:  A new Farm Bill and the President's proposed budget were main topics at a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing where Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified. The USDA's Bob Ellison has more. (1:49)

TESTIFYING BEFORE THE SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE, AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR STREAMLINING AND FLEXIBILITY IN A NEW FARM BILL.

Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary: As you consider the Farm Bill I hope that you'll recognize the importance of streamlining the number of programs that we have, providing us the flexibility to be able to use these programs creatively and adjust them.

COMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW AGREED CALLING THE FARM BILL A JOBS BILL WITH RURAL DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR COMPONENT.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow-Michigan (D): This can mean helping small towns build a safe drinking water system, or affordable broadband internet access, or it can be in the form of streamlined programs that are more accessible for the people who use them.

ON THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET, SOME SENATORS QUESTIONED PROPOSED CUTS TO THE CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM.

Sen. Pat Roberts-Kansas (R): Madame Chairman this is the number one issue that we have heard about in every hearing that we've had in regard to what farmers need and what they rely on.

Vilsack: The president when he looked at the agricultural budget basically had to decide whether or not to focus on a balanced approach, an approach that basically took resources from farm programs, conservation programs and nutrition assistance programs. He opted not to take money from nutrition assistance programs. In the President's view these insurance companies are perhaps in a better position to withstand these difficult times than the folks who are currently struggling with tight budgets and can't afford to put enough food on the table for their families.

VILSACK ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS COMMITTED TO A STRONG SAFETY NET FOR FARMERS.

Vilsack: We do recognize that part of that safety net is some process by which revenues can be protected during difficult times. The fiscal constraints that we're working under will require us to modify existing programs to provide that safety net.

FOR THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE I'M BOB ELLISON.

Names Bob Flider to Head Department of Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD - February 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today named Bob Flider director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Today's action is the latest in a series of appointments Governor Quinn has made as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

"It is important that our Agriculture agency is led by someone who understands the key role of agri-business in our economy," Governor Quinn said. "Throughout his career, Bob Flider was a tireless, effective leader for rural farming communities and global agri-business leaders. He served his district with distinction, and I am pleased he will continue to serve all the people of our state."

Bob Flider served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 through 2011. As a legislator, Flider worked on a number of agriculture issues, serving on the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, the Energy & Environment Committee and the Ethanol Production Oversight Committee. Flider also served as chairman of the House Electric Generation & Commerce Committee and vice chairman of the House Renewable Energy Committee. He was named an "Agriculture Certified Legislator" by the Illinois Farm Bureau in 2004, and he was named a "Friend of Agriculture" by the Illinois Farm Bureau in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

"Bob has a thorough understanding of the issues facing agriculture and agri-business, and he will be a strong advocate for all the state's agricultural sectors as Director," said Chris Olsen, Vice President of Community and Government Affairs at Tate & Lyle.

"After spending the last several years advocating for people in our farming communities and agribusiness, I look forward to continuing that work on a statewide level," Flider said. "I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this important position and I look forward to working closely with our state's agriculture and agribusiness leaders to help Governor Quinn double Illinois' exports by 2014."

Flider brings a variety of management, agriculture and economic development experiences to the Department of Agriculture. Since March of 2011, he has been Director of Broadband Impact -- promoting technology access in rural Illinois communities -- at the not-for-profit Partnership for a Connected Illinois. He also serves on the board of directors for United Way of Illinois and is an associate member of the Macon County Farm Bureau. He is a past board Director of the Decatur-Macon County Economic Development Corporation and member of the Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce. He served as mayor of Mt. Zion from 1995 until 2003, and started his career as a news reporter with the Mattoon Journal Gazette and Charleston Times-Courier.

Flider received a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Eastern Illinois University in 1979. He resides in Mt. Zion with his wife, Jean. They have three adult children and one grandchild.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) regulates Illinois agribusiness to protect both producers and consumers of raw and processed agricultural products from mislabeled, contaminated or diseased commodities. Agency programs help to protect our state's natural resources through regulatory oversight and financial incentives. The department also promotes Illinois agriculture by conducting state fairs, providing grant assistance to 4-H clubs, funding county fairs, marketing Illinois agricultural products and providing assistance to develop new, value-added agricultural ventures.

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