Nov 15, 2004Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman Resigns
Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman resigned Nov. 15, completing four years of service as a leader in the Bush Administration.
Secretary Veneman has been a strong supporter of the fruit and vegetable industry, and most importantly, a good personal friend,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association president. “The Secretary has spoken with our members at United meetings on numerous occasions during her tenure, and has always had an open door and mind to listen to our industry’s concerns.”
One of Secretary Veneman’s key accomplishments was the establishment of the first-ever Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee early in her administration. This committee elevated the role of the fruit and vegetable industry in providing advice and counsel directly to the Secretary, and fulfilled an objective long advocated by United.
In addition, Secretary Veneman forged the first Memorandum of Understanding to support the National 5 A Day Program, bringing USDA together with the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control to encourage Americans to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables. ”
