Washington, D.C. - This week, United States Senator Michael Bennet met with Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Senator Bennet is a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

In their meeting, Senator Bennet pledged to work with Secretary Vilsack and other USDA officials to implement provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill that expand opportunities for economic growth and job creation in rural communities, promote a strong and vibrant agricultural economy, and deliver safe, nutritious food to schoolchildren and struggling families in Colorado and across the nation.

"Secretary Vilsack and I had a productive discussion, and I appreciate the time he spent bringing me up to speed on his priorities for the coming year," said Senator Bennet. "He is well attuned to the needs and concerns of our nation's farmers and ranchers, and he will make an excellent partner in the effort to bring lasting change to the people of rural America."

"That's not to say our task will be easy," continued Senator Bennet. "We have a tough road ahead. But I'm ready to work with Secretary Vilsack and my colleagues on the Senate Ag Committee to ensure Washington's priorities are aligned with those of rural communities in Colorado and across the country."

At the end of their meeting, Secretary Vilsack accepted an invitation from Senator Bennet to visit the state of Colorado in the coming months and witness firsthand the challenges facing farmers and ranchers in rural communities across the state.