U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed the General Session of Commodity Classic 2011.

Lucas led off, speaking about his experience as a farmer and his goals for the committee. Vilsack followed, talking about his respect for farmers, particularly addressing the important roles they play in international trade and national security.

Lucas began by stating that “the EPA assault on production agriculture must stop.” In an attempt to stop his efforts, he noted that his committee is scheduled to hold hearings in which EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will answer questions on the agency’s basis for such decisions as limiting rural dust and continually questioning the safety of proven chemicals such as atrazine.