Copyright 2009 – Walking Horse Report

President Barack Obama has nominated Edward Avalos, a New Mexico agriculture marketing official, to be USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs.  This is the job that oversees enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and it was the job formerly held by Bill Hawks in the Bush administration.

Mr. Avalos has spent 34 years in agriculture marketing, including promoting the sale of chili peppers in 12 states; sheep, goats and cattle in Mexico; and pecans in Japan and China. 

The position requires Senate confirmation and will go before the Senate Agriculture Committee for a hearing and confirmation.