Vilsack and Dairy Leaders Applaud the USDA New Deputy Agriculture Secretary Confirmation
“Xochitl Torres Small has dedicated her career to serving the agriculture industry and the American people, and I have witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that I know will leave an impact on USDA for years to come,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made in a statement on the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“As the granddaughter of migrant farm workers, Xochitl experienced firsthand the challenges that many producers and rural communities face day in and day out. The hard work and determination she witnessed informs her commitment to public service and her respect for those we serve. Under her leadership, our Rural Development team has made record progress working to drive down energy costs, improve access to high-speed internet, expand processing capacity to help America’s livestock producers attain fairer prices for their work, and provide affordable housing options for rural residents,” Vilsack says. “At this critical time when USDA and the Biden-Harris Administration are laser-focused on mobilizing historic investments to rebuild our economy and secure healthier, more vibrant communities for future generations, I am grateful to have Xochitl’s partnership at the helm of the People’s Department. She has time and again met the moment with a collaborative approach and a can-do spirit, and I applaud Congress for confirming her as USDA’s next Deputy Secretary.”
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) also congratulates the confirmation of Torres Small. In a statement from NMPF president and CEO, Jim Mulhern, he shares:
“On behalf of America’s dairy farmers and their cooperatives, we congratulate Xochitl Torres Small on her Senate confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Her rich family heritage in agriculture, as well as her career in public service in Congress and at USDA, will bring valuable perspective to the position, and we know she will bring great insight and energy to her new role. We look forward to continuing our work together to tackle the many pressing issues that affect agriculture and our rural communities.”
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released also shares the same sentiments.
“On behalf of U.S. dairy processors, retailers, and cooperatives working each day to provide nutritious and sustainable dairy foods to people around the world, the International Dairy Foods Association congratulates Ms. Xochitl Torres Small on her historic confirmation as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. The U.S. dairy industry supports more than 3 million jobs across the country and ships a record number of nourishing dairy products to consumers around the world each year,” Dykes says. “As major contributors to the agricultural and national economies, U.S. dairy processors stand ready to work with Deputy Secretary conferee Torres Small as she works alongside Secretary Vilsack to deliver nutrition security, conservation programs, rural development, preferential export access for U.S. businesses, and so much more on behalf of the USDA and its constituents. Her deep experience in government and passion for economic development will benefit all people.”
Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. Effective July 14, Rural Development Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning will serve as Acting Under Secretary.
Before joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. As a Member of Congress, she served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee and as chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee. Xochitl was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico’s second congressional district.
