John R. Block

With experience as the United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Ronald Reagan, John R. Block has served as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since 2008. His experience with agricultural commodities, political understanding, and prior board experience make him an excellent member. Mr. Block serves as a member of the Company’s Governance, Compensation, and Nominating Committee. Currently a Senior Policy Advisor to Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz PC, he has also served as the Executive Vice President at the Food Marketing Institute and the President of Food Distributors International.

Mr. Block is currently a member of the board of directors of Digital Angel Corporation and Metamorphix, Inc. He previously served on the board of directors of each of Deere and Co., Hormel Foods Corporation, and Blast Energy Services, Inc. Mr. Block received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the United States Military Academy.