The Deputy’s visit to UD underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to Land-Grant Institutions
DOVER, Del., May. 3, 2024 – U.S. Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited the University of Delaware on Friday, May 3, to highlight the department’s ongoing support for agricultural research and education at the institution and met with students to discuss potential career opportunities available for the next generation of farmers, foresters, conservationists, and entrepreneurs.
The Deputy’s visit included stops at sites where students, faculty and University partners conduct cutting-edge studies and demonstrations to support innovation in agriculture: Worrilow Hall, Webb Farm, and the Dairy Farm.
“Thanks to historic funding secured by President Biden, USDA is creating new opportunities for the next generation of farmers, foresters, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Delaware,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “These investments will bring economic opportunity back to rural communities, better position students to build a more resilient food system and give them the chance to succeed in the communities they love.”
The Deputy concludes her college tour to land-grant institutions after several months of visits to campuses across the country, underscoring how colleges and universities are working with USDA to advance rural prosperity, climate-smart practices, competition, and sustainability. During her tour, the Deputy Secretary shared how USDA is working to make a difference on campuses, from new funding for education and training to cutting edge research to economic development to build a food and agriculture food system. The Deputy’s College Tour included visits to Land-grant Universities, 1980s Land-grant Colleges and Universities, 1994 Institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, community colleges, and state schools.
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) provided more than $5 billion in support to land-grant university campuses since fiscal year 2021, offering student-centered scholarships to recruit, mentor, and train undergraduate students for jobs in food and agricultural sciences and related fields.
“As a former 1890 Scholar, I recognize the importance of this program’s impact on the future USDA workforce,” said Letitia Nichols, USDA Rural Development Delaware-Maryland Deputy State Director. “We offer employees good pay, training and development opportunities, coaching and mentoring programs, flexible schedules for work/life balance, and an employee assistance program.”
Rural Development (RD) is one of several agencies under the USDA umbrella that offer career opportunities to build communities on and off the farm. Our investments in rural America include two grant programs that can make farms and businesses more productive and sustainable (Value-Added Producer Grants and the Rural Energy for America Program).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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