U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding Senate confirmation of Ken Barbic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations:
Barbic
“As USDA continues its mission of helping agricultural producers feed, fuel, and clothe the world, effective communication with Congress is a key element. Ken Barbic will bring a combination of an agricultural background and legislative expertise to create a free-flowing dialogue and exchange of information with lawmakers. I commend the Senate for its approval of Ken Barbic, and urge Senators to take up other USDA nominees as quickly as possible.”
Background:
Ken Barbic most recently served as a senior director for the Irvine, CA-based Western Growers Association, where he has worked for nearly a decade to advance the competitiveness of American produce farmers. He grew up in Bakersfield in a farming family, which, from an early age, gave him an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture. Prior to his work with Western Growers, Barbic served as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs and as a legislative assistant with the House Committee on Ways and Means. He graduated with honors from Maranatha Baptist University with a B.S. in business management.