Torres Small confirmed as deputy secretary of agriculture at USDA

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as deputy secretary July 11.

“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,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“As the granddaughter of migrant farmworkers, 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.”

Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as under secretary for rural development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In that position, she worked 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.

Prior to joining USDA, Torres Small was a U.S. congresswoman from New Mexico.

Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, congratulated Torres Small on her new role.

“Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small has a proven record of championing solutions for the agricultural supply chain and fostering economic growth for communities across the nation,” McKinney said.

“Her experience leading the industry as under secretary of agriculture for rural development and her perspective on state and local issues as former U.S. representative for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, NASDA is elated at today’s Senate confirmation and looks forward to her leadership.”