Kip Tom

LEESBURG — Kip Tom, Leesburg, chief executive officer of Tom Farms LLC, has been appointed to Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump’s new Agricultural Advisory Committee.

“I had been given a hint a few weeks back, that I would get a call,” said Tom. “The biggest thing, there are 64 people — governors, ag secretaries, people diverse in ag — a part of this. We need to go to work, work together to get the framework policy for the nation and administration. We’re doing this to get the work done. I’m proud, these people are doers and do not sit around. I look forward to the dialog to shape the policies that represent the county as a whole and the industry.”

Tom referred to the fact in 34 years the world’s demand for food will double. “Now is the time to lay the ground work. We need to make sure we have federal policy that does not get in the way of the ag producers ability to meet the global demand in terms of quantity, price and quality. In the meanwhile encourage producers to use sustainable practices to preserve our natural resources for future generations.”

The announcement was made Tuesday, Aug. 16. The men and women on the committee will provide pioneering new ideas to strengthen the nation’s agricultural industry, as well as provide support to our rural communities. The formation of the board represents Trump’s endorsement of these individuals’ diverse skill sets and ideas that can improve the lives of those in agricultural communities.

Trump said, “The members of my agricultural advisory committee represent the best that America can offer to help serve agricultural communities. Many of these officials have been elected by their communities to solve the issues that impact our rural areas every day. I’m very proud to stand with these men and women, and look forward to serving those who serve all Americans from the White House.” The executive board members will convene on a regular basis.

“We had a conference call (today) to set up a road map,” said Tom. “We need to have a policy, a platform, the president can stand behind. Ag is a very diverse industry.”

The 64-board member consists of individuals throughout the United States: current and former congressmen, state commissioners of ag, state legislators, current and former governors, business leaders, chairmen of ag related businesses and commissions, former secretary of the USDA, current and former agribusiness owners, presidents of cattlemen’s associations, ranchers, attorney generals, farmers, agricultural advocates.