Biden admin colluded with leftist dark money giant on ‘transforming food system’, emails allegedly show

The Biden administration allegedly collaborated with a massive dark money network on key agriculture policy issues in order to transform the United States food system in what would ostensibly impact farmers as well as the food supply chain.

Biden appears to have confabbed with Eric Kessler, who is the founder and principal of the Arabella Advisors consulting firm which “oversees a behemoth liberal dark money network,” according to emails obtained by Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reports: “The internal Department of Agriculture (USDA) communications — obtained by Americans for Public Trust (APT) and shared with Fox News Digital — show that Kessler was involved in initiatives to ‘transform’ the U.S. food system and to crack down on the meat industry for high prices. Kessler was the only individual on the email chains who wasn’t affiliated with the USDA.”

“These emails reveal that Eric Kessler has direct access to Biden cabinet officials and plays an intimate role in shaping this administration’s agenda,” APT Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland told Fox News Digital in an interview. “As the architect and operator of the largest dark money network in U.S. politics, Kessler’s cozy relationship with Secretary Vilsack raises questions about the level of influence his foreign-funded Arabella network has on the Biden administration and its policies.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack purportedly emailed Kessler, Marty Matlock, a USDA senior advisor for food systems resiliency, and Matthew McKenna, a former senior advisor to Vilsack, on July 15, 2021, telling them he was excited about a food processing initiative that he asserted the three were helping to “direct and lead.”

“Gentlemen- woke up very early this morning thinking about the processing project you are helping to direct and lead,” Vilsack said in the email. “I can tell you from the response I have received to date there is excitement over the possibility of this helping to create a more dynamic and competitive market.”

Vilsack also copied his Chief of Staff Katharine Ferguson and Mae Wu, the USDA’s deputy under-secretary of marketing and regulatory programs.

The rest of that particular email was completely redacted using the excuse that it contained information that was “pre-decisional” and deliberative, referring to it being connected to a policy that was not yet in effect.

“I believe the pipeline will fill quickly,” Kessler replied. “This is striking a real chord and filling a huge need. The feedback I’ve heard has been 100% positive around the initiative and the Department’s leadership.”

Matlock noted that he and McKenna had roped in the Arabella Advisors founder for conversations concerning the project.

“Matt, Eric, and I have been in nearly daily conversation about elements and strategies,” Matlock said. “In short we are on the job, moving the many elements necessary, and building program strategies for implementation.”

It’s not clear what their clandestine plans are concerning transforming our food system. The fact they are hiding those details is extremely disturbing.

In September 2021, Vilsack sent an email to Kessler and McKenna that was entirely redacted. Kessler responded by thanking Vilsack for his “kind invitation” and then said he was “looking forward to it,” according to Fox News Digital.

Another email was sent by Vilsack on October 31, 2021, to Kessler and USDA officials that requested their feedback on a “processing memo.” Again, most of that email was redacted.

Vilsack suggested edits to a “transformed food system” memo in an email on Dec. 6, 2021, to Wu and Jenny Moffitt, the USDA’s under-secretary of marketing and regulatory programs. Kessler was copied on it.

“I have reviewed the memo that you prepared on our transforming food system effort,” Vilsack reportedly stated. “Appreciate the thought and work that was put into it.”

Wu replied that she was scheduled to brief the White House on the transforming food system initiative. That appeared to culminate on Jan. 3, 2022, in an event held at the White House where Biden, Vilsack, and Attorney General Merrick Garland announced steps that the administration would take to “increase processing options” for farmers and ranchers. The event elaborated on how the Justice Department would work with the USDA on federal enforcement efforts.

Again, the details are not forthcoming but they certainly don’t seem good.

“The President was extremely appreciative of your effort,” Vilsack told USDA officials and Kessler in an email following the event. “The White House/NEC is anxious to work with us on both the next steps to implement the processing effort and on the supply chain effort.”

“It was a good day for USDA and allowed us to get nearly 2 hours of the President’s day focused on your work,” the agriculture secretary commented in the email. “Just wanted you all to know the President and I very much appreciate the sacrifices of time you have made to get us to this point.”

Kessler responded a day later, claiming the White House event “was tremendous.” He also noted that this is just the beginning.

“A huge success and, while it’s just the beginning of this, it is already a major accomplishment,” Kessler wrote to Vilsack. “I have been getting lots of appreciative emails for the effort the Department put into this and offers far and wide to help in any way. Thank you for your steady pursuit of a level playing field and a better food system.”

“There is significant private and philanthropic sector interest in leveraging the Department of Agriculture’s investments in food, agriculture, and rural prosperity, such as the $1 billion USDA is investing to expand meat and poultry processing capacity to provide more options for farmers,” a USDA spokesperson informed Fox News Digital in a statement.

“External partners are critical in USDA’s effort to maximize our investment in a way that creates new markets and increases income opportunities for producers,” the statement posited.

Fox News reported on the breadth and depth of the dark money network: “Kessler’s Arabella Advisors, which is based in Washington, D.C., is a consulting firm that manages at least five nonprofit organizations — Sixteen Thirty Fund, New Venture Fund, Hopewell Fund, Windward Fund, and North Fund — that, in turn, host and funnel money to dozens of shadowy left-wing groups. In 2021, the latest year with available data, the network hauled in more than $1.5 billion in anonymous donations.”

The network’s funds are reportedly being used in social and progressive campaigns around the world. They have also focused on climate change initiatives which no doubt are involved in Vilsack’s efforts. The group has dumped millions into agriculture-related programs.

“Arabella’s Good Food team works alongside funders, investors, and others who are passionate about transforming our food systems,” the firm’s website declares. “Together, we’re creating a world where delicious, nutritious, sustainably produced food is accessible to all.”

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