Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hosted a national media Tuesday call to discuss the Obama administration’s 2017 budget request for USDA programs.

“Over the past seven years, USDA has made strides in improving the health of our nation’s children, enrolled a record number of privately-owned acres in conservation programs, bolstered the economies and infrastructure of small rural towns, and more,” said Vilsack. “American agriculture and related industries contribute $789 billion to the U.S. GDP and support one in 11 American jobs on and off the farm. The President’s 2017 Budget request aims to ensure USDA’s programs continue to invest in agriculture research and development, target effective strategies to protect our natural resources, and expand markets and economic opportunity for our farmers, ranchers, and the people who call rural America home.”

Listen to Vilsack’s entire call here: Ag Secretary Vilsack on USDA budget