As we approached 1650 Pennsylvania Ave NW the sheer grandeur of the building we were about to enter set the stage for our experience today. We were processed by US Secret Service and led to room 230A, the Secretary of War Suite. With the State of the Union this week as well as the continuous issues with passing a federal budget, there was a frenetic energy in the building, but we were immediately reminded of the grandeur of our surroundings when we sat in this ornate room; a portrait of George Washington adorning the wall at the head of the table. As we stood to welcome our speaker, Will McIntee, the power of political engagement reverberated through every fellow. Mr. McIntee grew up in a rural community in northeast Iowa. He began his political career working in a local congressman’s office and currently is a Senior Advisor in the Office of Public Engagement; focusing on rural and agricultural development.
Mr. McIntee engaged the class by offering some of the President’s priorities to improve rural agriculture: high-speed internet access for rural communities, rural electric vehicle programs, rural clean energy programs, and USDA conservation programs. Mr. McIntee spoke about the challenges surrounding the engagement of vastly different rural communities across the nation, underscoring the importance of inviting political leaders to visit California farms to share the story about California agriculture. He also reminded the class of the administration’s recognition of the diversity of rural communities- that there’s not a singular rural monolith and that each community can have specific needs. Thus, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t often work in ways that might be envisioned. The administration has consolidated resources in a single website, rural.gov, that helps community leaders find the resources needed to meet their respective community’s needs.
“When you visit one rural community – you visit one rural community.”
Will McIntee
After finishing our meeting, we headed out of the east exit of the EEOB facing the people’s house.
We then embarked on a journey soaking up the sights of the nation’s capital. We were challenged as a class to each take one picture of something we saw, experienced, or learned to discuss during our synthesis. Walking through the city we could not help but realize the immense weight of the power we each carry on our shoulders as U.S. citizens. We the people are responsible for choosing those who lead us. We the people are ultimately accountable for their decisions in office and the future of our nation.
With these revelations churning in our minds, we made our way to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), where we had our afternoon meetings. The only Cabinet department with a building on the National Mall, we marveled at our home for the afternoon. With its windows to the west looking towards the Washington Monument and those facing north overlooking the expansive National Mall, the stage was set for a thoughtful and reflective afternoon. Sitting in the room bearing his name, we were reminded that President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation in 1862 to establish USDA, an agency he would later call “The People’s Department”. Over 150 years later, it continues to serve that mission.
USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt (47) shared some of the agency’s priorities along with thoughts from her leadership journey. USDA looks to strengthen agriculture and reverse the trend of the last 40 years where over 500,000 farmers/ranchers have been lost. Through technical assistance and directed programs USDA is leading the way forward to guarantee more on-farm earned income for America’s farmers and ranchers to ensure this way of life for generations to come.
Undersecretary Moffitt highlighted many learnings from her leadership journey and her California Ag Leadership experience. She explained the importance of taking risks and not immediately saying no to opportunities. Undersecretary Moffitt has learned that active listening involves not just what someone is saying but understanding what someone is wanting. Leading with integrity and giving back to your community are hallmarks of her leadership style.
Our second meeting revolved around labor. Those of us in the industry know that labor is of vital importance to agriculture and guaranteeing fair, safe and healthy working conditions is the principal purpose of the Department of Labor (DOL).
“Workers themselves are the best spokespeople for agriculture working conditions, they are your best ambassadors.”
Pilar Velasquez
We had the privilege of meeting with Pilar Velasquez who works in minerals trade at DOL and after participating in CALF DC Exchange is working to tackle complex problems facing a modernizing world. Pilar stressed the importance of being open to new learnings because it is a competitive advantage. Emotional Intelligence (EI) allows us to be self-aware and develop networks that augment our strategic thinking.
Following Pilar, we met with Helena Bottmiller-Evich, the founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix, a biweekly publication dedicated to delving into critical issues within the food and agriculture sectors at the federal level. While these topics hold immense significance for those involved in agriculture, they often remain underreported in mainstream publications. Through her tireless efforts, ranging from covering foodborne illness outbreaks to advocating for Congressional reforms and food safety laws, Helena epitomizes the art of storytelling. Her work not only informs but also engages the public on matters crucial to their daily lives, ensuring their health and safety. Furthermore, Helena shared invaluable insights and methodologies with our class, emphasizing the importance of conveying the ‘why’ behind food safety laws. By bridging the gap between consumers and producers, she underscores the necessity of generating buy-in from both parties, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to food safety standards.
After Helena’s enlightening session, we had the privilege of learning from Jim Doyle, the esteemed president of Business Forward. Fresh from his engagement at the White House, Jim illuminated our class on the business-focused approach his organization employs in analyzing US policy decisions. He urged us to ‘zoom out‘ from political extremes and focus on the reasonable middle. By collaborating with local business leaders, they meticulously dissect the implications of policy decisions on those they affect. Jim advocated for steering clear of moral imperatives and instead, zeroing in on the business case for issues, thereby facilitating tangible progress.
Jim Doyle speaking to Class 53 about bringing business philosophies to government policy.
Through the wisdom imparted by both Helena and Jim, our class gained profound insights into the intersection of policy, business, and societal well-being. Their commitment to fostering understanding and driving positive change serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
A short elevator ride downstairs brought our class to the 2024 D.C. Exchange annual reception dinner. This program established in 1982 bridges the gap between California agriculture and members of the federal government. Members of our class got to share a meal and our stories with applicants to the program and several of our speakers from the last few days as well as reconnect with CALP alums who were there generously committing time to facilitate the selection process.
Crossing Independence Avenue from the Longworth House Office Building and walking up to the U.S. Capitol South Entrance the air was crisp and the excitement was palpable. We were greeted warmly by Congressman John Duarte (CA-13), CALP Alum (Class 28), for a special night tour of the United States Capitol. His staff member Jack was a great tour guide as he led us through the hallowed halls of the People’s House. The grandeur of this building was on full display as we walked behind the scenes to get a glimpse of the inner workings of the legislative process.
The facts that we were greeted with made our minds spin. Who knew that the clocks in the old Supreme Court Chamber located in the basement of the Capitol ran intentionally 7 minutes early to allow enough time for justices to put on their judicial robes?
Also, when standing in the middle of the Capitol, there is a star embedded in the floor. This symbolizes the framer’s intention that power should come from the people; and the people are represented by those they elect to the United States Congress. We literally stood at the center of American and global power. Many of us were deeply moved by this.
Lastly, we were treated with the opportunity to visit the House of Representatives floor. The podium that President Biden will speak from, seats reserved for the Supreme Court Justices, Senate members, and House members were filled by Class 53 on this night less than 48 hours before the State of the Union address.
Today we were surrounded by leadership from the President’s House, to the People’s Department and finally the People’s House. Fingerprints of California Ag Leadership Program can be seen all over and we are honored to be the 53rd class in this incredible legacy.
Gratefully,
Aman, Scott, Bryce and the members of Class 53
