LEESBURG – Kip Tom’s name is being mentioned as one of several people who might be under consideration by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.
Tom, an agri-businessman who finished second in a Congressional run in the 2016 primary for the 3rd District, is one of the names that appeared in a Politico story speculating about who Trump may look at to fill his cabinet as the transition to a new presidential administration begins following Tuesday’s historic election.
The Politico story lists Tom among a handful of bigger names, including Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, but Tom could benefit from his association with Trump’s vice president, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, as well as former Gov. Mitch Daniels who previously served as budget director for former president George W. Bush.
The 60-year-old Leesburg man has been involved in farming for nearly 40 years and is the managing member of Tom Farms LLC and the president of CereServ Inc. He also has served as a crop production consultant to various companies in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, according to the website tomfarms.com.
Tom said he had not been pursuing the position, but heard about the story in Politico and was aware some people had been pushing his name for consideration.
Tom served on Trump’s agricultural advisory panel during the campaign. That same group is now working to shape the framework for Trump’s ag policy and is expected to meet today as well, he said.
Tom is keeping his options open. He said he expects to see some “firm” names surface within a few weeks.
“I am open to it. They are aware of that. We had some conversations amongst the Trump ag committee in the last couple days, yesterday, primarily,” Tom said this morning.
Tom sees Trump’s election as a new opportunity for changes in ag policy.
“Too often times, we tend to make very slow evolutions or very minimal changes to ag policy and I think it’s time to take a fresh look at what we can do to grow the ag economy while supporting all sizes of producers and all types of food systems,” he said.
Mike Ragan, the Kosciusko County Republican chairman, said Tom has gained a reputation for seeking out and supporting innovations in agriculture and has become a sought-after speaker across the country.
Ragan describes Tom as a team player and a great communicator who is loyal and “honest as the day is long.”
Ragan said he’s unsure how much weight Tom’s connections with Pence will have when Trump chooses somebody.
“I don’t know if it helps other than Pence would be aware of Kip’s expertise,” Ragan said.
One of the top issues that will likely surface within those discussions is the Trans Pacific Partnership, a trade proposal which Trump has criticized.
“He doesn’t support TPP in its current shape,” Tom said. “I’m confident that those on the committee that are working on that will resolving some of those different trade issues.
“It’s a huge deal for Kosciusko County and our state, whether you’re in the orthopedic industry or any manufacturer or agriculture, TTP is essential to continuing to find economic growth and job growth and benefiting our country,” Tom said.
Tom said he traveled to Indianapolis Tuesday night to support state Republican candidates, but ended up staying until 3 a.m. watching election returns as it became apparent Trump would defeat Hillary Clinton.
Tom said Trump’s election is a great opportunity for the country.
“This is a time for our country to get back together, heal some of these wounds from the election and get some work done,” he said.
(Story By The Times Union)
