USDA Deputy Secretary and Congressman motivate future Georgia ag leaders at FVSU

FORT VALLEY, Ga. (WGXA)- Fort Valley State University received a visit from a couple of special guests promoting agriculture.

U.S. Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and Congressman Sanford Bishop visited campus on Wednesday.

The stop in Middle Georgia served as a continuation of Deputy Secretary Torres Small’s College Tour.

The purpose is to encourage students to consider careers in agriculture and the many opportunities the industry offers such as farming, forestry, conservation and entrepreneurship.

In addition, the tour spotlights the USDA’s ongoing commitment to research in order to advance rural development for prosperity, climate-smart practices, competition and sustainability.

“Thanks to historic funding secured by President Biden, USDA is creating new opportunities for the next generation of farmers, foresters, researchers, and entrepreneurs in Georgia,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary 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.”

Both Deputy Secretary Torres Small and Congressman Bishop met with university leadership and students.