President Donald J. Trump July 16 announced his intent to nominate Scott Hutchins of Indiana, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education and Economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Hutchins currently serves as the global leader of integrated field sciences for Corteva Agriscience and as an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska. Previously, he served as president of the Entomological Society of America. Hutchins earned his B.S. in entomology in 1981 from Auburn University, M.S. in 1983 from Mississippi State University, and Ph.D. in 1987 from Iowa State University.
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement, “I am very excited by the selection of Dr. Hutchins for this leadership role at USDA. His extensive background in research and commitment to sound science and data make him exceptionally qualified for this post, and I am eager to have Dr. Hutchins join the team.
“USDA now has four highly qualified nominees awaiting action in the Senate Agriculture Committee. It is my hope the committee moves expeditiously to consider these highly qualified individuals as soon as possible. In addition, I also look forward to the full Senate voting on our General Counsel nominee as soon as possible.”
Early in his presidency, Trump nominated campaign advisor Sam Clovis, a former radio talk show host and Morningside College public administration instructor, for the position, but he withdrew his name from consideration last May when it appeared he could not get enough Senate votes for confirmation.
Larry Dreiling can be reached at 785-628-1117 or [email protected].