USDA Deputy Secretary Torres Small visits UW-Madison
On Friday, April 12, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited the UW-Madison campus as part of a multi-week college tour highlighting career opportunities for the next generation of farmers, foresters, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Her visit included stops at the D.C. Smith Greenhouse, a discussion with campus leaders whose divisions receive USDA funding, and a session with UW undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in agriculture, public policy and leadership.
“Rural America is hard at work, producing the food, fiber, and fuel our nation relies on,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Torres Small. “President Biden’s historic investment in rural America supports that work across the country through real-life solutions to decades-old challenges—expanding access to high speed internet, updating waste-water infrastructure, and increasing competition through more and better markets. USDA is committed to investing in farmers to promote growth and build a stronger, more sustainable economy for people in rural communities throughout Wisconsin and nationwide.”
In a session with more than 30 UW students from a wide variety of agricultural, scientific, policy and business disciplines, she discussed approaches to changing the food and agriculture sector to build an agriculture food system that is sustainable and equitable. Student also raised questions on a variety of topics, including USDA energy, food assistance and export programs.



