The American Farmland Trust (AFT) has elected a pair of nationally recognized leaders of agriculture to its board. This news release from the group says Jim Moseley and Greg Watson will join the board this fall.
John Hardin, vice chair of the AFT board said, “Jim Moseley and Greg Watson bring a wealth of agriculture and conservation experience, expertise and leadership to our board. I welcome these distinguished public servants to American Farmland Trust. We look forward to their guidance and input as we undertake critically important projects to preserve farmland, protect critical natural resources, like soil and water, and ensure a future on the land for the men and women who steward our farmland and grow our food and fiber.”
An Indiana native, Jim Moseley served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture from 2001 to 2005, where he oversaw the Department’s diverse daily operations. Following 9/11, he led the team looking at the security needs of the food and agriculture system. And, following his departure from USDA, he helped the U.S. Department of Defense rebuild the agricultural system in Afghanistan. He served as USDA Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment from 1990 to 1992. Currently, Moseley co-chairs Agree, a food and agricultural policy development initiative. With more than 40 years experience as a farmer, he owns a farm focusing on diversifying agricultural production and conservation.
Greg Watson served as the 19th Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under Governor Deval Patrick and also served as Commissioner from 1990 to 1993 under Governors Dukakis and Weld. He currently serves as the Director of Policy and Systems Design at the Schumacher Center for New Economics in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Watson is a leader in issues of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, new monetary systems, and more. He serves on the boards of Ocean Arks International, Bioneers, and Remineralize The Earth.
Their terms on the board begin at AFT’s October 2015 board meeting.