Let's face it, the job of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture just isn't as "sexy" a cabinet position as Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense.

But it should be, says Food Democracy Now!, a grassroots movement of farmers, writers, chefs, eaters and food policy advocates. After all, the agriculture department protects the nation’s food supply and in turn, our environment. It plays a critical role in improving human health, revitalizing rural economies. helping independent family farmers and developing sustainable and renewable energy.

With that in mind, the advocacy group has composed a letter/petition to President-elect Obama and is working to get as many Americans as possible to sign it. See it at fooddemocracynow.org

"We believe that our nation is at a critical juncture in regard to agriculture and its impact on the environment and that our next Secretary of Agriculture must have a broad vision for our collective future that is greater than what past appointments have called for," according to the letter, that also suggests eight "sustainable" choices for the post.

Original signers include food heavyweights like author Michael Pollan, restaurateur and advocate Alice Waters and national nutrition expert Marian Nestle.

"Even if the new administration doesn’t pick one of the listed candidates, signing the petition sends a strong message that we want a good, clean and fair food system," says Josh Viertel, President of Slow Food USA.

And that's attractive!