REDWOOD COUNTY, MN (AgCentral) – Amidst changing weather, Deputy Secretary of USDA Xochitl Torres Small addressed pressing issues faced by farmers during her visit to Minnesota. Despite the heavy rain today, Torres Small continued her engagements with local farmers, listening to their concerns and discussing potential solutions.
“Despite the rain and I know that across Minnesota there’s been some challenges with flooding,” Torres Small remarked about the weather. “We’re still out here, getting the chance to hear from farmers about their challenges and how we can better work together.”
Throughout the day, Torres Small engaged in conversations with farmers, focusing on critical topics such as low commodity prices and market diversification. “One of the key things I’ve been hearing just across the board are the low commodity prices,” she said. “USDA is working hard to invest in opportunities to increase ag income. Right now, about 7% of farmers get over 85% of the ag income. We’re trying to find ways for farmers to get a fair share of the food dollar.”
Torres Small highlighted the recently announced RAP program, a $1.2 billion initiative aimed at diversifying markets overseas. “Most of our exports go to Canada, Mexico, and China. The RAP program seeks to expand markets in places like Africa, Latin America, parts of Asia, and the EU,” she explained. She also mentioned the availability of another $300 million in the program’s latest tranche, which received over a billion dollars in applications, indicating strong interest.
Addressing the importance of face-to-face interactions, Torres Small emphasized the need for inclusive farm programs. “We need farm programs that are for the many and the most, not just for the highest-grossing farmers. It’s crucial to support added value and added income.”
Farm labor was another significant issue discussed. “USDA put together a pilot program to show that you can have strong labor standards and also have a supply of workers through the H2A programs,” Torres Small said. She urged Congress to support solutions like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and other immigration reforms to address labor shortages.
Torres Small also praised Secretary Vilsack’s efforts, highlighting his vision to create more and better markets. “It is such a joy to work with and learn from Secretary Vilsack. He has a real clear vision driven by solutions that farmers are forging on the ground,” she said.
In her final message to growers, Torres Small assured that the USDA is committed to being a supportive partner. “Whether it’s finding ways to ensure you get a fair share of the food dollar or making our programs easier to access, we recognize the challenging times. Farmers are feeding our nation and our world, and we are here to support you.”
Click below to listen to full interview…