Xochitl Torres Small

Farm lending concerns came up at a recent Senate disaster aid hearing as lawmakers grappled with the lack of a Farm Bill and help for financially struggling producers.   “I’ve never been in a situation where the bankers are coming in saying, ‘if you don’t do something, we’re not going to be able to, because of our bank examiners, we’re not going to be able to provide the credit that our farmers ne

Front and Center for the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday, disaster assistance and what a federal package should include.  A variety of federal officials testified before senators Wednesday, including Deputy Ag Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.   “...

Earlier this week, southwest Washington representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez announced that $4,881,150 has been secured in USDA Community Connect Program funds to expand rural broadband in west Lewis County.  With the funding, Lewis County PUD will deploy 47.3 miles o...

Last week, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is partnering with farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program.  The USDA announced $104 million in loans and grants to support over 300 clean energy projects in 34 states.  That in...

The recommission of a nuclear power plant in Michigan.  How is it connected to a USDA program?   “Over $1.3 billion in Inflation Reduction Act, investments that breaks down to over $650 million to Wolverine Power Cooperative and over $675 million to Hoosier Energy,” noted Agriculture Deputy Secretary, Xochitl Torres Small.     Under Rural Development’s...

Last week, the USDA held the department’s final Equity Commission meeting.   “Our programs are only as good as they do reach people, and that's what this work, this work of equity, which is for everyone is all about,” said Deputy Agriculture Secretary, Xochitl Torres Small.  She noted the work of the...

Leaders from within the group of 20 nations met in Brazil last weekend, and agriculture and food systems as the focus.   “The theme of this year 's meeting is building the best world and a sustainable planet and it's focused on various pillars which include improving the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and food systems and particularly through agricultural productivity growth and inno

New and beginning northwest farmers can make use of various USDA programs to grow their operation.  During a recent swing to the west coast, Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small discussed how the Ag Department is assisting those new to farming.  Special...

USDA celebrated the first National Biobased Products Day on Wednesday to highlight the accomplishments of people and organizations working to improve sustainability.   “By setting aside March 8 as National Biobased Products Day, we honor the 20 years of progress the BioPreferred Program has achieved,” said USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small.   Congres...

Last week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced he was nominating Xochitl Torres Small for the Ag department deputy secretary position that will soon be vacated.   “Under Secretary Torres Small who is currently operating our Rural Development missionary has done a terrific job of communicating the mission of Rural Development and understands and appreciates the important role that Department of Agri