The National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) is set to host an enlightening webinar on October 2, featuring Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small. This event is part of the “Growing Careers” series, aimed at fostering interest and providing insights into agricultural and food law careers for students and faculty members alike. The webinar, which is free of charge and open to the public, will start at 11 a.m. Central Time and will include a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Torres Small.
Xochitl Torres Small’s journey to her current role at the USDA is both inspiring and significant. Having begun her career in a law office in Las Cruces, New Mexico, she has risen through the ranks to become one of the highest officials in the department. Her previous experience as the under secretary for Rural Development and her tenure as a U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s fifth Congressional district—where she made history as the first woman and person of color elected—provides her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.
The NALC’s “Growing Careers” series, which includes this webinar, is part of a broader initiative called the Bridges Initiative. This initiative is designed to connect students with professionals in agricultural law, offering them networking opportunities, professional development, and a deeper understanding of legal issues related to agriculture and food. Harrison Pittman, the director of the NALC, emphasized the importance of Torres Small’s involvement, noting her dedication to mentoring young people interested in agriculture. “She travels seemingly nonstop, always taking time to meet one-on-one with students along the way,” he remarked.
Torres Small’s commitment to youth engagement in agriculture is evident. As she noted, “Investing in our students is key to the future of agriculture, and an effort that I am focused on as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.” Her passion for nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders reflects a growing recognition of the need for skilled professionals in this vital sector.
The webinar is particularly timely, given the evolving landscape of agricultural law and the increasing complexities faced by the industry. As students and young professionals explore career paths, having access to insights from someone with Torres Small’s experience can be invaluable. It not only provides them with a glimpse into the potential career trajectories within the agricultural sector but also encourages them to consider the multifaceted nature of agricultural law, which encompasses everything from food safety regulations to rural development policies.
Registration for the webinar is straightforward and can be completed online, making it accessible for pre-college, undergraduate, and law students, as well as faculty and mentors who support them. This initiative underscores the NALC’s role as a bridge between academia and the professional world, facilitating critical conversations about the future of agriculture and the legal frameworks that support it.
As the agricultural sector continues to face challenges such as climate change, food security, and regulatory pressures, the importance of cultivating a well-informed and skilled workforce becomes increasingly apparent. Events like the upcoming webinar serve not only to educate but also to inspire the next generation of leaders in agricultural and food law, ensuring that they are equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry. By engaging with experienced professionals like Torres Small, students gain valuable insights that can shape their careers and contribute to the resilience of the agricultural sector in the years to come.