By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds Wednesday.
Vilsack's visit on the first day of the of the Southern New Mexico State Fair was part of a national 'Rural Tour' to discuss efforts by the Obama Administration to revitalize rural America.
Vilsack discussed how the agriculture department is working to promote a sustainable food supply while fighting climate change.
He also highlighted stimulus projects, including 148 New Mexico loans worth more than $20.5 million dollars.
The USDA says New Mexico will also see an estimated increase of more than $150 million dollars in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Most four-person households will receive an $80 increase in their monthly SNAP benefit. And eligibility limits on jobless adults will be suspended in most areas.