President Biden nominates Xochitl Torres Small as USDA deputy secretary

Feb 15, 2023

Xochitl Torres Small could replace Jewel Bronaugh

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

President Biden has revealed who he wants to replace Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as the second in command within the United States Department of Agriculture.

On Feb. 15, the president announced Xochitl Torres Small, who’s been the under secretary for rural development since 2021, to be his deputy secretary nominee.

“The granddaughter of farmworkers, Torres Small grew up in the borderlands of New Mexico,” the president’s nomination says. She has worked as a Field Representative for Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), clerked for United States District Court Judge Robert C. Brack, and served as an attorney practicing water and natural resources law.

Torres Small’s nomination comes after Dr. Bronaugh announced her resignation in January to spend more time with her family.

Torres Small first entered politics in 2018, winning the seat in New Mexico’s 2^nd congressional district.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is pleased with the president’s choice.

Torres Small has always supported rural communities, and stepping into the role as deputy secretary of the USDA will allow that work to continue, he said.

“Her expertise will further USDA’s mission to advance equity and opportunity in and for rural America, and USDA’s commitment to build an organization invested in the success of its workforce and the customers we serve,” he said in a statement.

Torres Small will require Senate confirmation before assuming the position.

Until that happens, and after Dr. Bronaugh officially resigns, Kevin Shea, administrator of the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, will serve as acting deputy secretary.

Video: Canada's Agriculture Day 2025

Let's celebrate Canadian agriculture.

Well, number one, you don't eat without farmers. Farmers put food on the table. And what could be more important than that?

Well, I think it's important that Canadians understand exactly what takes place, what happens to produce this food, no matter what sector you're talking about.

An awful lot of work goes into that. It's important to understand that meat does not come out of a showcase, and milk does not come out of a bottle. It's produced by farmers and hard work.

Canada has the best farmers in the world. And agriculture is vital to Canada.

In 2024, our agriculture and agri-food sector represented $150 billion of Canada's GDP, nearly $100 billion of our exports, and one in nine jobs.

From grains to fruits to dairy and beef, we are truly blessed with an incredible bounty. Having spent my whole life in agriculture, I see so much potential for the sector.

This time last year, I was proud to open our first-ever agriculture and trade office in the Indo-Pacific, the world’s fastest-growing economy, to cement our presence in the region and grow our exports even more. We've also been making historic investments to help our farmers to boost their yields, protect the planet, and earn a fair living.

The world wants more top-quality, sustainable food, and I know our Canadian farmers can deliver. And it's so important that you do that with pride. We need you.

Quite simply, you eat the most top quality food in the world. You do that because of the quality of farmers and ranchers you have in this country.

Just say thank you to a farmer or a rancher. They work very hard, yes, for a living, but also with a sense of pride in what they produce.

That's what Canada's Agriculture Day is all about.