USDA Wins Federal Agency of the Year

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack accepted the award for Federal Agency of the Year from the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, Wednesday.

Vilsack said in his acceptance speech that he developed an appreciation for farm workers while building and repairing farm worker housing in Texas.

“It taught me a lesson; never to take for granted the work of those who toil in the fields to make life better for us. To always look for ways in which we can make life better for them.”

Vilsack also noted that the USDA can play a key role in helping reform immigration and working to improve the lives of migrant workers.

“It’s important, not only to advocate for expanded farmworker housing. To look for ways to provide additional resources for Hispanic-serving institutions as we have. To create internship programs for young people.”

Vilsack also said they want to develop loan programs for socially disadvantaged farmers.