Biography (.PDF format)

Jim Moseley was sworn in as the deputy secretary by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman on July 17, 2001. As the deputy secretary, Moseley oversees the day-to-day activities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one of the largest and most diverse departments in the federal government. USDA's mission includes the management of traditional farm programs, private land conservation, domestic food assistance, agriculture research and education, agricultural marketing, international trade, meat and poultry inspection, forestry, and rural development programs.

Prior to this appointment, Moseley, an Indiana farmer with 32 years of hands-on farm experience, was the owner of Ag Ridge Farms, which specializes in grains, and managing partner of Infinity Pork, LLC, which raises hogs. Both are located in Clarks Hill, Ind.

Moseley has played a key role in developing public policy for agriculture, the environment, and natural resources conservation at the state and national levels. From 1989-1990, he served as agricultural advisor to the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Moseley previously served at USDA as the assistant secretary of agriculture for natural resources and environment from 1990-1992. In this capacity, he provided leadership to the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on a variety of issues including endangered species, old growth forests, livestock grazing on public lands, wetlands, and policy issues related to the conservation title of the 1990 Farm Bill.

In 1997, he served as chairman of the industry negotiating team for America's Clean Water Foundation's National Environmental Dialogue on Pork Production. Following the 1995 Farm Bill, Moseley served as a consultant to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, where he worked with producers and NRCS to develop model resource management plans for farmers and ranchers.

From 1993 to 1995, Moseley served as the director of agricultural services and regulations for the State of Indiana at Purdue University. He also served as a political analyst and member of the editorial board of the Farm Journal Publications. Moseley has held membership in numerous professional and academic organizations and has received many awards and honors. In recognition of his service and commitment to agriculture, he was voted the National Outstanding Young Farmer of America for 1982.

Moseley was born in Peru, Ind. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.