Kuster Welcomes Top USDA Official to New Hampshire

On June 30, U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden to New Hampshire for a panel discussion with local women business leaders, according to a press statement.

During the discussion, participants highlighted the role of New Hampshire women in the state’s agriculture industry, and discussed how the federal government can help bolster their success.

“New Hampshire’s agricultural industry has great promise, and I’m particularly encouraged by the number of women who have emerged as top leaders in the field. I’ve long fought to help this industry grow, so I was thrilled to welcome Deputy Secretary Harden to New Hampshire to hear directly from local women agricultural leaders about how the USDA can support them,” Kuster said. “During her visit, Deputy Secretary Harden provided panel participants with important resources and asked for feedback, and I know we will both take the stories, thoughts, and concerns addressed today with us back to Washington. I look forward to continuing to work together to support the success of New Hampshire’s agricultural industry as a whole, and particularly the women leaders who play such a key role in this industry’s success in New Hampshire.”

Today’s panel discussion provided Granite Staters with a unique opportunity to speak directly with a top USDA official from the Obama Administration. During the panel discussion, the Congresswoman and the Deputy Secretary outlined new business opportunities for women in agriculture, and heard from local women leaders about their current work. Panel participants were also asked to provide their feedback on what additional steps the federal government can take to support New Hampshire’s agriculture industry and the women leaders who are contributing to its success.

Since taking office, Kuster has fought for policies that will help New Hampshire’s farming industry grow. She has also been a strong advocate for women business leaders, and during today’s panel discussion she outlined how some of the priorities in her Women’s Economic Agenda could help New Hampshire women in the agriculture industry get ahead.

At USDA, Deputy Secretary Harden’s highest priority is to ensure that beginning farmers and the growing ranks of agriculture - women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, returning veterans and retirees - have access to the programs and support they need. In February, she launched the Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network, bringing together women from across the country with similar backgrounds, interests, and professional goals.

Please e-mail agwomenlead@usda.gov for more information about the network.