WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the updated 2012 Census of Agriculture data:
"The Census results reiterate the continued need for policies that help grow the rural economy from the middle out. The data illustrate the power of USDA efforts to grow the economy and strengthen infrastructure in rural America, create new market opportunities for farmers and ranchers and provide access to capital, credit and disaster assistance for producers of all sizes. The Census also shows the potential for continued growth in the bioeconomy, organics and local and regional food systems. USDA will continue to focus. . .