Clifford M. Hardin laughing with Clayton Yeutter. Also a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Yeutter later became the US Secretary of Agriculture under President George H. W. Bush. 

             Upon entering the role of President Nixon's Secretary of Agriculture, Clifford Hardin’s biggest concern was how to give the farmer a greater share in American prosperity (Moritz 16). On January 22, 1969 Hardin said, “One of our foremost concerns in the Department must be farmers’ income. Furthermore as Americans we must endeavor as never before to eliminate malnutrition and to stimulate and revitalize rural America” (qtd. in "Statement" 1). In appointing Hardin, President Nixon hoped to provide a mediator between the President and the farmers. As Secretary of Agriculture, Hardin had the job to “speak for the farmers to the President” instead of speaking “for the President to the farmers” (Moritz, 17).

             On February 3, 1969, Hardin issued his first request, asking President Nixon to continue the tradition of fifty percent advance payments to feed-grain growers who enroll in the government’s acreage-retirement program. Within his first year as Secretary of Agriculture, Hardin also established the Food and Nutrition Service Program. The program allowed for the greater specialization and concentration on the effectiveness of the administration of food programs. The goal for Hardin was putting an end to hunger in America, particularly in the impoverished areas. The program's goals had three componants: encourage full participation by those eligible within counties that have food programs; the expansion of Family Food Assistance Programs; and better coordination of child and adult feeding programs (U. S. Agriculture, "Secretary Hardin Proposes Establishment of Food and Nutrition Service" 1). In 1969 Hardin edited the volume Overcoming World Hunger.


Sources

     Agriculture, United States Department of. Secretary Hardin Proposes Establishment of Food and Nutrition Service. Washington: HP, ASCUNL, 1969. Print.

     Hardin, Clifford M. "Statement by Secretary Hardin." HP, ASCUNL, 22 January 1969.

     Moritz, Charles. "Clifford M. Hardin." Current Biography (1969): 16-18. Print.