John R. Block

Senior Policy Advisor at OFW Law, John Block has dedicated his professional career to the fields of agriculture, food, and health. His accomplishments in agriculture began with the building of a large and successful hog operation in his home state of Illinois where he also served as the Director of Agriculture from 1977-1981. He was tapped by President Reagan to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1981-1985, where he played a key role in the development of the 1985 Farm Bill. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Food Distributors International (formerly National American Wholesale Grocers Association) from 1986-January 2003.

Mr. Block has served on the Board of Directors of John Deere, Hormel Foods, and Friends of the World Food Program.  He currently serves on the Board of Aemetis, Inc., The Graduate School, The Farm Foundation, and the CNFA Agrabusiness Alliance.   Moreover, he delivers a weekly radio commentary, John Block Reports From Washington, wherein he addresses matters of concern to the farm community.  Mr. Block is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy.

Areas of Expertise:

Agriculture

Food and Drug

Health Care

Education:

U.S. Military Academy

Prior Government Positions:

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
1981-1985

Director of Agriculture, Illinois
1977-1981