Thicke exploring run for Iowa ag secretary

Francis Thicke of Fairfield announced today he has formed an exploratory committee to advise him on the possibility of running for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in the 2010 election. 

Thicke and his wife Susan are owners and operators of an organic, grass-based dairy farm near Fairfield. They process their milk on the farm and market it locally through grocery stores and restaurants. 

Citing estimates that more than 80 percent of the $8 billion worth of food consumed in Iowa comes from out of state, Thicke said ?Growing more of our food in Iowa represents a multi-billion dollar economic development opportunity.? 

This potential economic activity could ?create thousands of new jobs and help revitalize rural communities in Iowa, as well as provide Iowans with fresh, nutritious food,? said Thicke.

The ethanol industry has been struggling to survive in today?s changing economic climate.  ?Iowa?s investment in ethanol production has brought economic development to agriculture, and we need to protect that investment,? said Thicke. ?However, it is time to reassess, and consider how future investments in renewable energy can be better targeted to profit farmers, and better protect our natural resource base.?

Thicke has a doctorate degree in agronomy/soil fertility and has previously served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., as aational program leader for soil science for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Extension Service.

Thicke frequently speaks at conferences and workshops in Iowa, across the Midwest, and nationally on a wide range of topics, including local food systems and economic development, ecologically sound animal production systems, organic farming practices and soil management for sustainable farming.

Thicke has served on the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission and the Iowa Food Policy Council at the appointment of Governor Tom Vilsack, and on the Iowa Organic Standards Board at the appointment of Governor Terry Branstad. He currently serves on Iowa?s USDA State Technical Committee.

For the complete article, see the Friday, March 20, 2009, Fairfield Ledger.