Industry Leaders Welcome Brooke Rollins as Trump’s Nominee for Agriculture Secretary
Source: DairyNews.today
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins, a seasoned policymaker and advocate for rural America, to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins, who brings a blend of public policy experience and ties to the agricultural sector, has garnered praise from industry leaders across the country.
A Familiar Advocate for Rural Communities
Rollins, founder and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, played a significant role in the Trump administration as director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of American Innovation. Trump emphasized her deep commitment to agriculture, highlighting her rural roots and advocacy.
“Brooke’s commitment to support the American farmer, defend American food self-sufficiency, and restore agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none,” Trump said in a statement.
Broad Support from Agriculture Leaders
Rollins’ nomination has received widespread approval from industry organizations, which cite her advocacy for farmers and familiarity with agricultural policy as key strengths.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall expressed optimism, noting Rollins’ strong ties with state-level Farm Bureaus, including Texas. “Effective leadership at USDA is more important than ever as farmers and ranchers face a struggling agricultural economy,” Duvall said.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening described Rollins as a long-time ally of the farming community. “She is a passionate advocate for agriculture and is an excellent nominee for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture,” he said.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew voiced hope that Rollins’ rural upbringing would inform her approach to challenges such as high input costs, volatile markets, and the need for a robust farm bill.
Laurie Fischer, CEO of the American Dairy Coalition, pointed to Rollins’ innovative policy background, particularly during her tenure in the Office of American Innovation. “Now more than ever, we need real-world application of sound farmer-led policy to address the realities faced by America’s farmers,” Fischer said.
Focus on Strengthening Key Agricultural Sectors
Representatives from various agricultural industries underscored their expectations for Rollins to champion policies that strengthen their sectors:
Ethan Lane of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association emphasized the need to roll back burdensome regulations and protect family farms.
Jack Pettus, Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance, lauded Trump’s commitment to agriculture, noting the historic challenges facing farmers.
Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, highlighted the importance of building a resilient potato industry that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Rollins’ Background and Path to Nomination
Rollins, a Texas A&M University graduate raised in Glen Rose, Texas, has a personal connection to farming. Trump noted her involvement in 4-H and FFA and her family’s participation in show cattle competitions as integral to her understanding of rural America.
Her nomination follows speculation about other potential candidates, including Zippy Duvall, former U.S. Ambassador Kip Tom, and Gregg Doud, among others.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins will step into the role at a time when U.S. agriculture is grappling with economic headwinds, climate challenges, and calls for innovation in food production. Industry leaders are hopeful that her leadership will address these pressing issues and bolster the future of American farming.
Rollins, founder and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, played a significant role in the Trump administration as director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of American Innovation. Trump emphasized her deep commitment to agriculture, highlighting her rural roots and advocacy.
“Brooke’s commitment to support the American farmer, defend American food self-sufficiency, and restore agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none,” Trump said in a statement.
Broad Support from Agriculture Leaders
Rollins’ nomination has received widespread approval from industry organizations, which cite her advocacy for farmers and familiarity with agricultural policy as key strengths.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall expressed optimism, noting Rollins’ strong ties with state-level Farm Bureaus, including Texas. “Effective leadership at USDA is more important than ever as farmers and ranchers face a struggling agricultural economy,” Duvall said.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening described Rollins as a long-time ally of the farming community. “She is a passionate advocate for agriculture and is an excellent nominee for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture,” he said.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew voiced hope that Rollins’ rural upbringing would inform her approach to challenges such as high input costs, volatile markets, and the need for a robust farm bill.
Laurie Fischer, CEO of the American Dairy Coalition, pointed to Rollins’ innovative policy background, particularly during her tenure in the Office of American Innovation. “Now more than ever, we need real-world application of sound farmer-led policy to address the realities faced by America’s farmers,” Fischer said.
Focus on Strengthening Key Agricultural Sectors
Representatives from various agricultural industries underscored their expectations for Rollins to champion policies that strengthen their sectors:
Ethan Lane of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association emphasized the need to roll back burdensome regulations and protect family farms.
Jack Pettus, Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance, lauded Trump’s commitment to agriculture, noting the historic challenges facing farmers.
Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, highlighted the importance of building a resilient potato industry that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Rollins’ Background and Path to Nomination
Rollins, a Texas A&M University graduate raised in Glen Rose, Texas, has a personal connection to farming. Trump noted her involvement in 4-H and FFA and her family’s participation in show cattle competitions as integral to her understanding of rural America.
Her nomination follows speculation about other potential candidates, including Zippy Duvall, former U.S. Ambassador Kip Tom, and Gregg Doud, among others.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins will step into the role at a time when U.S. agriculture is grappling with economic headwinds, climate challenges, and calls for innovation in food production. Industry leaders are hopeful that her leadership will address these pressing issues and bolster the future of American farming.
