Lecture Series Returns March 17

Alongside Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden leads the Department’s operations and implements policies that support America’s food and farm systems. A native of Union City, Tennessee, Deputy Secretary Vaden brings expertise in agricultural policy, law, and rural development. Previously, he served as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade and as General Counsel of the USDA. Throughout Deputy Secretary Vaden’s time as General Counsel, he led successful Supreme Court litigation, advanced regulatory reform, and supported the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. He is a graduate of Yale Law School and Vanderbilt University. A public servant with strong agricultural roots, Deputy Secretary Vaden is committed to revitalizing rural America and ensuring an abundant, affordable, and safe U.S. food supply.

Ambassador Vetter is a global public policy leader and trusted advisor working with companies, non-profits, and international organizations at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and international trade. Darci’s career spans more than two decades of policy leadership, including service as the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for Agriculture and Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade, and serving as the Head of Global Public Policy for PepsiCo and the Nature Conservancy.

Dr. Muhammad brings considerable experience and research to the Blasingame Chair position, focusing on assisting decision-makers in evaluating opportunities, policies, and programs related to international trade. Dr. Muhammad previously served as the Associate Director at the Economic Research Service (ERS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also served as Chief of the International Demand and Trade Branch at ERS, where he managed research, outreach, and data-related activities on international trade and policy. Dr. Muhammad has authored 90 refereed journal articles and more than 70 reports and other publications. He has also served as an investigator on funded research and outreach activities totaling over $6 million, including funding from the Gates Foundation, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation. His research focuses on agricultural trade, trade policy, and the economics of global food demand. He serves on several national advisory boards, including the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC), which provides trade counsel to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative.