Xochitl Torres Small was confirmed as USDA’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Torres Small, who presently serves as Under Secretary for Rural Development, previously served as a United States Representative for New Mexico’s second congressional district, and practiced water and natural resources law. USDA Secretary Vilsack noted that Torres Small, the granddaughter of migrant farm workers, has worked to foster a dedicated and diverse workforce and will use her expertise to make “lasting investments in the people, institutions and infrastructure essential for tribal nations and communities throughout the rural U.S. to thrive,” and “advance equity and opportunity in and for rural America.”