Biofuels are a dead end. Considering the amount of energy and effort it requires to grow and process them, they are simply not economical. We're going to need to look elsewhere to answer our energy questions.

Vilsack would be much better employed trying to work out a way to prevent our kids being so unhealthy. That's the kind of thing that could really pay off in the future when we don't have to handle the health problems of an obese generation.

I totally agree Joachim - you yanks need put flab before fuel.

Tom Vilsack is a terrible pick for the position of Agriculture Secretary – he is all for the use of ethanol, food engineering and petrol fertilizer. The safety, health, environment and economic future of the country now rests with him. It is preposterous that he is at all involved in the agriculture of this country and will be making decisions for all of us when he has been supporting agribusiness his ENTIRE life. He is opposed to sustainable, locally grown organic agriculture that would support both the small farmers and producers as we as the environment, and food security.

Actually i disagree with Vilsack being a bad choice. Vilsack governed a farming state before selection, as did both of the two previous Secretaries of Agrictulture - Johanns and Schafer - so that has to count for something. Furthermore, general reaction to his nomination was steeped in praise and included endorsements from several associations and unions. Though i see your point, this has to count for something. For now i think we need to trust Obama and his choices, and Vislack may well prove himself yet.