WASHINGTON — A group of over 200 agricultural organizations wrote to Senate members, voicing support for the confirmation of Stephen Vaden’s nomination as deputy secretary of agriculture.

Vaden awaits approval by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee before moving onto the Senate for a confirmation vote.

“As representatives of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, state departments of agriculture, processors, growers and conservationists, we believe that Judge Vaden’s extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to American agriculture make him exceptionally well-qualified to serve in this critical leadership role at the US Department of Agriculture,” the letter said.

Vaden served as general counsel for the US Department of Agriculture during the first Trump administration from 2017 to 2020. Currently, Vaden sits as a judge on the US Court of International Trade.

A native of Tennessee, Vaden grew up working with his father on the family’s diversified row crop farm.

Vaden earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from Yale.

“We are confident that Judge Vaden’s leadership alongside Secretary Brooke Rollins will ensure USDA remains a strong advocate for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural communities,” the groups added. “His deep understanding of the agricultural economy, regulatory landscape and global trade dynamics will be instrumental as the department works to address challenges such as stabilizing the farm economy, strengthening supply chains and implementing a new farm bill.”

Among the groups seeking Vaden’s confirmation was the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

“NPPC has worked closely with Vaden, as he was instrumental in the development of the pork industry’s strategy to argue Prop. 12 in front of the US Supreme Court,” NPPC said in its latest Capital Update.

Other industry trade groups making up the coalition included the Meat Institute, the American Farm Bureau Federation, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Livestock Marketing Association and The Poultry Federation.

The letter with a comprehensive list of groups in support of Vaden’s confirmation can be found here.