As students across the nation returned to school for the Spring semester, there was a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air. But for students at Land-grant Universities, this semester brought an extra dose of inspiration as they welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small on her multi-week college tour.
The tour, which began on January 25, 2024, has taken Deputy Secretary Torres Small to campuses in at least seven states, including California, Texas, and Iowa. The purpose of this tour is to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to rural prosperity, climate-smart practices, competition, and sustainability.
As Deputy Secretary Torres Small stepped onto the campuses, she was greeted with enthusiasm and curiosity from students, faculty, and staff. Her message was clear – the USDA is dedicated to supporting and empowering rural communities through education, innovation, and collaboration.
One of the key focuses of the tour is the partnership between the USDA and Land-grant Universities. These universities, established in the 19th century, were created to provide education and research opportunities in agriculture and mechanical arts. Today, they continue to play a vital role in advancing rural communities and promoting sustainable practices.
During her visits, Deputy Secretary Torres Small has highlighted the various initiatives and programs that the USDA is implementing in collaboration with Land-grant Universities. These include efforts to improve access to healthy and affordable food in rural areas, support for small and beginning farmers, and investments in renewable energy and conservation practices.
In California, Deputy Secretary Torres Small visited the University of California, Davis, where she met with students and faculty involved in the university’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program. This program focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices and addressing food insecurity in rural communities. Deputy Secretary Torres Small praised the university’s efforts and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in creating a more resilient and equitable food system.
In Texas, Deputy Secretary Torres Small visited Texas A&M University, where she toured the university’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Complex and met with students and faculty involved in the university’s research on climate-smart agriculture. She also highlighted the USDA’s efforts to support farmers and ranchers in adapting to the changing climate and promoting sustainable practices.
In Iowa, Deputy Secretary Torres Small visited Iowa State University, where she met with students and faculty involved in the university’s Rural Economic Development Center. This center focuses on promoting economic growth and development in rural communities through education, research, and outreach. Deputy Secretary Torres Small praised the university’s efforts and emphasized the importance of investing in rural communities to create a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Throughout her tour, Deputy Secretary Torres Small has also emphasized the importance of competition and fair markets for farmers and ranchers. She has highlighted the USDA’s efforts to promote fair and transparent markets, including the implementation of the Packers and Stockyards Act and the enforcement of antitrust laws.
In addition to promoting rural prosperity and sustainability, Deputy Secretary Torres Small has also emphasized the importance of education and innovation in shaping the future of agriculture. She has encouraged students to pursue careers in agriculture and highlighted the various opportunities and resources available through the USDA and Land-grant Universities.
As her tour continues, Deputy Secretary Torres Small’s message of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to rural communities has resonated with students and faculty alike. Her visits have not only highlighted the important work being done by Land-grant Universities but also inspired the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
As we look towards the future, it is clear that the USDA and Land-grant Universities will continue to play a crucial role in promoting rural prosperity, sustainability, and innovation. And with the support and dedication of leaders like Deputy Secretary Torres Small, we can be confident that our rural communities will thrive and prosper for generations to come.
