Letter

Dear Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman:

We write to express our strong support for the nomination of Under Secretary of Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under Secretary Torres Small has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing challenges in the agricultural supply chain, fostering economic opportunities and security through rural infrastructure investments, and fighting for the needs of rural Americans. Her dedication to public service and skilled administration of USDA’s Rural Development mission area makes her uniquely qualified for the role of Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

Under Secretary Torres Small has tirelessly served agricultural stakeholders and the American people for decades. The granddaughter of farmworkers, she spent several years as a Field Representative for Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), then a United States District Court clerk, and an attorney practicing water and natural resources law. In 2018, Torres Small was elected to the House of Representatives where she served as a Member of the House Agriculture Committee. Continuing her public service as Under Secretary of Rural Development, Torres Small guided the implementation of millions of dollars in loans and grants to strengthen the agricultural supply chain, expand broadband internet service to rural communicates, and expand market opportunities for rural businesses.

We believe that agricultural stakeholders, rural communities, and the American people will be well served by Under Secretary Torres Small’s service as Deputy Secretary of the USDA. We strongly urge the Committee to quickly advance Under Secretary Torres Small’s nomination so she can continue her important work in this expanded capacity, particularly as the Farm Bill reauthorization process is underway.

Sincerely,

American Beverage Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Feed Industry Association
American Frozen Food Institute
American Seed Trade Association
American Soybean Association
American Sugar Alliance
Animal Health Institute
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
Can Manufacturers Institute
Cargill
CoBank
Consumer Brands Association
Corn Refiners Association
Crop Insurance Professionals Association
Danimer Scientific
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Foresight USA Inc
Growth Energy
Illinois Soybean Association
Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
International Dairy Foods Association
International Fresh Produce Association
Leather and Hide Council of America
Meat Import Council of America
National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Confectioners Association
National Corn Growers Association
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Fisheries Institute
National Grain & Feed Association
National Grocers Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pork Producers Council
National Sorghum Producers
National Turkey Federation
North American Meat Institute
North American Millers’ Association
Panhandle Peanut Growers Association
Pet Food Institute
Plant Based Products Council
Primient
Rural & Agriculture Council of America
SNAC International
South Carolina Peach Council
Southwest Council of Agribusiness
U.S. Apple Association
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association
U.S. Dairy Export Council
USA Rice
Virginia Cattlemen’s Association
Western Growers
Western Peanut Growers Association
World Perspectives, Inc.

cc: Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Date Sent:

March 23, 2023

Sender:

Agricultural Coalition

Subject:

Letter supporting Small nomination to serve as Deputy Secretary of USDA