“The VBP Group played a key role in the first ever Civil Rights training conference for the USDA. . . . The Secretary of Agriculture, the Honorable Mike Johanns, singled out the work of the VBP Group during his presentation.”
– Dale W. Moore, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Agriculture
“They [the VBP Group] came highly recommended, and we have not been disappointed.”
–Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, Inc.
“Vernon Parker is one of those rare individuals who brings people together to advance a stronger sense of community and giving. . . ”
– Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agriculture
“After Parker’s remarks, Cochran said he couldn't ‘recall ever hearing a more eloquent statement by a nominee for any office who's appeared before this committee for confirmation.”
–Senator Thad Cochran at confirmation of hearing of
Vernon B. Parker quoted in the Arizona Republic
“He has a disquieting charm that farm advocates said they like. More important Picciano said, ‘ he listens. He came to spend two days with us. He has a nose to find out what he needs to know.’ ”
–Lorette Picciano, Executive Director of the Rural Coalition quoted in the Washington Post
“Parker succeeded in ‘opening doors between the department and advocacy groups such as the Rural Coalition to address the problems of minority farmers, and in getting a registry of minority farmers finally in place that will enable the department to better meet their needs.”
–Arizona Republic
“Marriott International Inc. and the Agriculture Department will begin working jointly to mentor and train minority farmers trying to sell more food to the hotel industry . . . the program is the first attempt by the department to work with business to improve minority farmers’ access to food markets. Parker said the training program will help create a larger market for these cooperatives. ‘We don't want to stop with the hospitality industry,’ Parker said.”
–Washington Post
“Vernon has opened doors. It has led to outcomes, grant opportunities for our universities. We were also able to get increased appropriations in programs that help small farmers.”
–Clinton Bristow Jr. President of Alcorn State University quoted in the Washington Post
“Mr. Parker provided our nation “God Sent” service in an almost impossible situation. . . More action has been done in a few hours than in decades. . . .”
–Michael Harris, President and CEO of California Black Farmers and Agriculturalist Association.
