President Donald Trump selects Dr. Scott Hutchins for USDA Undersecretary of Research, Education and Economics

In mid-July, President Donald Trump selected Dr. Scott Hutchins to be the USDA Undersecretary of Research, Education and Economics. Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the selection, calling Hutchins an “exceptionally qualified” person for the position. Hutchins is an entomologist with an adjunct professor position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is currently the global director of crop protection research and development with Dow (now Corteva) AgroSciences. Sam Clovis was previously tapped for the position but faced massive backlash due to the fact he does not have a science background. The nomination was withdrawn late in October 2017. “USDA now has four highly qualified nominees awaiting action in the Senate Agriculture Committee,” commented Perdue with regard to Hutchins’ nomination. “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.” — WLJ