WASHINGTON — The produce industry is losing a top supporter at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as Kathleen Merrigan announced she is resigning as deputy secretary.

A vocal champion of the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, Ms. Merrigan is best known for advocating USDA programs that support local and regional farmers, though she had a hand in many programs throughout her tenure. As deputy secretary, she oversees the day-to-day operation of USDA and spearheads the $149 billion USDA budget process.

"It has been an ambitious first term," Ms. Merrigan said in a March 15 statement announcing her resignation. "From implementing the 2008 farm bill, improving school meals, expanding opportunities for American farmers, spending countless hours in the White House situation room to shepherding USDA budgets through challenging times, it has been an honor to play a small part in history."

After news leaked of the deputy secretary's plans, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement March 14, which read, "She has played a vital role in the department-wide focus on the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, as well as our efforts to achieve budget efficiencies and savings during an uncertain budget time. Deputy Secretary Merrigan has led USDA's efforts to implement important regulations, and she has been an important advocate for a strong National Organic Program. I deeply appreciate her service, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

The produce industry recognized the second-in-charge for highlighting fresh fruits and vegetables in America's diets, improving the National Organics Program and rolling out the MyPlate nutrition message.

"Throughout her service with USDA, she remained a good friend to fresh produce and a familiar face to the [Produce Marketing Association] community," said Bryan Silbermann, PMA's president and chief executive officer. Deputy Secretary Merrigan has been a strong advocate for healthy eating and the affordability of fruits and vegetables, using both PMA's and the USDA's research to bust the myth that eating healthfully is expensive. In addition, she was a leading voice during USDA's launch of the 'MyPlate' communications campaign, which recommends making half your plate fruits and vegetables and offers the clearest, most actionable consumer advice in decades."

United Fresh Produce Association applauded her work on a wide range of programs.

"It's been gratifying to have her support on so many vital produce industry issues, including specialty crops research, education and extension, and food-safety initiatives such as the USDA's GAP audit verification program, which helps farms ensure they are producing fruits and vegetables in the safest manner possible," said Ray Gilmer, vice president of issues management and communication at United Fresh.

Mr. Gilmer said that United Fresh was proud to have partnered with her on celebrating the "Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools" initiative, where she underscored the importance of increasing access to fresh produce for children.

Before becoming deputy secretary, Ms. Merrigan was assistant professor and director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment graduate program at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Before that, she was appointed administrator of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service under President Bill Clinton, and worked for Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as a senior staff member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

Though USDA has yet to announce her replacement, Mr. Silbermann said that PMA looks forward to working with the incoming deputy secretary on "new opportunities to keep the fresh produce industry moving forward."