I grew up in a city. My parents would think there was something wrong with America if they knew I was secretary of agriculture.

The lack of access to proper nutrition is not only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our children.

I wish I could give you all the examples over the last two years as secretary of agriculture, where I hear people in rural America constantly being criticized, without any expression of appreciation for what they do do.

You know, this country today, it seems to me - it's about fear. And it shouldn't be about fear. It should be about hope and optimism and creativity and accepting a challenge and being a moral leader and being a great nation.

I think we have not done a good job of explaining to people in rural America what is actually happening, number one. And, number two, we're not expressing appreciation and acknowledging the contribution that rural America makes. Where does your food come from? Where does the water come from? Where does the energy feedstock come from? It all comes from rural areas. Where does your military come from? Nearly 35 to 40 percent of the military is from 15 percent of America's population living in rural America. It makes a tremendous contribution to this country. It just isn't recognized.

In 2011, agricultural exports hit a record high and producers saw their best incomes in nearly 40 years.

If we are to transition to a new economy and to lead it, we must start by transforming our schools.