WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Jan. 14 confirmed he will continue to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in President Barack Obama’s second term.

"President Obama and I share a deep appreciation for rural America and its unlimited potential in the years ahead to feed a growing world population, revolutionize America’s energy, further protect our natural resources and create more jobs here at home," Mr. Vilsack said. "We will continue to urge Congress to pass a food, farm and jobs bill that will help us continue the USDA's wide range of efforts to support this work. As we look ahead to a promising future in our small towns and rural communities, I am pleased to continue working alongside President Obama to grow more opportunity in rural America."