Thicke has vision for local food, sustainable agriculture

Francis Thicke's vision for energy-efficient, sustainable agriculture with increased locally grown foods is just what Iowa needs. He is a candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.

Locally grown food is fresher and healthier. It eliminates transportation expenses and creates jobs, boosting local economies. Iowa spends $8 billion per year on food and about 90 percent comes from out of state. We can keep billions of those food dollars here at home and still have most of our land available for corn, soybeans, pasture and perennial grasses for biofuel production.

Thicke would lead Iowa towards agricultural energy sustainability by utilizing farm-scale wind energy production and small-scale production of various biofuels. He favors returning to local control of placement of CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) and will be a strong force in cleaning up and protecting our environment.

The Secretary of Agriculture radio debate (Sept. 11 in Spencer) made clear the choice we have. The current secretary wants more research in agricultural innovations. Thicke has done his research (he has a Ph.D. in soil science) and wants action. The current secretary wants more study on the salmonella tainted eggs. Thicke proposes to actively write new guidelines now, similar to the program that has worked for years in Maine. Thicke will act swiftly to ensure food safety.

Thicke closed the debate with a question: “Are we going to take action now to prepare for the future?”

You can take action yourself and vote for Thicke for Secretary of Agriculture.

Dennis Roseman

Iowa City