“During the farm bill debate, Dr. Merrigan presented research on the then-titled Conservation Security Program (CSP), noting important improvements needed to make the program more effective for producers. Along with AFT, she called on the Senate Agriculture Committee to take a renewed effort to strengthen the program and provide it with full funding,” said Scholl. “We're delighted to learn of her nomination to this important position at USDA and hope that her confirmation process goes smoothly.”

“Our nation's working lands are the cornerstone of an effective national strategy to combat climate change, preserve wildlife habitat and help to clean our nation’s waters,” added Dennis Nuxoll, Senior Director of Government Relations for AFT. “Dr. Merrigan's work in this area again confirms the administration’s commitment to an agricultural system that provides better food, fiber, bio-energy and other benefits to our country and one that remains competitive in the 21st Century.”

As an assistant professor and director of the agriculture, food and the environment MS and PhD programs at the Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy at Tufts University, Merrigan has been committed to studying a myriad of issues involving American agriculture. Her expertise on a diverse array of topics will serve President Obama, Secretary Vilsack and the American farmer and rancher well in her new role.

During the Clinton Administration, Dr. Merrigan was the Administrator for the Agriculture and Marketing Service at the Department of Agriculture. Dr. Merrigan also served on the legislative staff for the Senate Agriculture Committee for five years. 

“Dr. Merrigan’s wealth of practical Washington experience both inside the Department and on Capitol Hill—combined with her clear managerial skill—makes her a uniquely qualified candidate for the position of Deputy Secretary. We are happy to have someone of her caliber join the Department during this critical time in our nation’s history. We believe that she will be swiftly confirmed and look forward to working with her in the future,” says Nuxoll.

“She understands the workings of Washington from USDA to the hill, and yet remains grounded in the realities that producers and consumers face each day. Dr. Merrigan will be a great addition to the administration and bring an important perspective to this post,” added Scholl.

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 ****Editors note: The detailed case studies and analysis in Dr. Merrigan’s study: The Conservation Security Program: Rewards and Challenges for
New England Farmers can be found here: www.farmland.org/programs/states/documents/NECSP.pdf