Washington, D.C. July 11, 2023.  The American Soybean Association and soy growers expect the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be a positive for agriculture.

ASA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Censky, who served in the position from 2017-2020, said, “Torres Small’s comprehensive background in D.C. will bring great value and insight to the position—from her time as a district court clerk, attorney working in water and natural resources law, on through her service in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and most recently with USDA Rural Development.”

In a letter signed by ASA and other organizations in support of Torres Small’s nomination in March, the groups said, “Under Secretary [of Rural Development] Torres Small has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing challenges in the agricultural supply chain, fostering economic opportunities and security through rural infrastructure investments, and fighting for the needs of rural Americans. Her dedication to public service and skilled administration of USDA’s Rural Development mission area make her uniquely qualified for the role of Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.”

ASA was pleased to work with Deputy Secretary Jewell Bronaugh during her time with the department and looks forward to continuing positive relations with USDA and Torres Small.

###