Kip Tom nominated as ambassador of agriculture to U.N.

LEESBURG, Ind. (WANE) – Kip Tom has been selected to be an ambassador as a United States Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture at the State Department.

He is the current chairman of Tom Farms in northern Kosciusko County and previously ran for the Republican nomination for Indiana’s 3rd District in the 2016 election.

President Donald Trump nominated Tom for the position Wednesday, but the nomination still requires Senate confirmation.

Once confirmed, Tom would be ambassador to three U.N. agencies based in Rome. Those include the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Program.

His current agribusiness includes work in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, according to a news release.

In a statement from Washington, D.C., U.S. Senators Todd Young and Joe Donnelly responded to the nomination.

“Kip Tom is an outstanding Hoosier and a leader in the agriculture community. Kip’s significant experience in agriculture, business, and humanitarian relief, make him an excellent fit for this role. As we work to address food insecurity and malnutrition around the world, it’s important to have someone in this position who can represent our interests and values. We congratulate Kip on his nomination and look forward to voting for his confirmation,” said Senators Young and Donnelly.

Tom previously served as a member of President Trump’s Agriculture Advisory Committee during the 2016 presidential campaign. Many believe Trump considered him for secretary of Agriculture at one point.

He was also honored with the Agriculture Future of America Ag Leader of the Year Award in 2015.

His political ties, status, and agricultural experience earned him a face-to-face meeting with President Trump when he visited Indianapolis in September 2017.

During the meeting, Tom reportedly expressed concerns about the estate tax and how it would affect his family’s business. Trump publicly addressed his concerns during his speech later that day.

The ambassador position is currently vacant. Tom will look to fill it once he is approved by the senate.