It is crucial that, a theme of this conversation is about partnerships.

It is a priority of USDA Rural Development to make sure that we are reaching those unserved communities.

Building Back Better from COVID-19, expanding options for more and better markets for farmers and ranchers, helping us all survive extreme weather, and build resiliency through climate-smart tools.

We are supporting better maps through our granular assessment of applications.

We are committed to making sure that tenants living in places that have received USDA loans do have the support that they need.

I was in Minnesota this past winter, and I was just struck by the pride of the farmers and the community for being part of this solution when it comes to taking on climate change.

I really appreciate your focus on this issue, and I am happy to provide any technical assistance in terms of specific challenges that you are seeing on the ground.

I have been drinking this water from this well my entire life. The government hasn't helped me yet. Why should I think that they will help me now?

I really appreciate your efforts to make sure that we are reaching every community, and communities that have been unserved or underserved.

I am proud that USDA has invested $700 million in terms of providing support for those farmers and the experiences they had in the midst of COVID-19, and then another $100 million to build up that infrastructure that is crucial to…

It just warms my heart that your Virgin Islands, as they address the challenges of climate change, also want to be part of the solution.