Reuters reports that Kathleen Merrigan, the deputy agriculture secretary and second in command at the USDA, has resigned. Merrigan had been known for promoting farmers markets and local farms, and had backed the USDA's “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative. She had also played a key role in developing national organic food-labeling rules.

Merrigan resigned yesterday. Her successor will require Senate confirmation, so maybe we can all look forward to some discussion about farmers and food in the coming weeks — a nice change from all the discussions about Benghazi — or, if we're really lucky, Rand Paul will find another reason for a filibuster. Maybe Paul could list all the things his dad did or didn't want him to eat when he was a kid. Imagine.

Want more Squid Ink? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.