Secretaries Rollins and Kennedy Meet Texas Farmers to Promote Health

On April 30, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. embarked on a pivotal visit to Texas to engage with local farmers at the forefront of promoting food security and public health. The visit highlighted collaborative efforts under the initiative 'Make America Healthy Again,' focusing on sustainable farming practices and combating agricultural challenges.

The Secretaries’ itinerary included a visit to the Texas A&M Beef Center, where Secretary Rollins delivered an update on managing the New World Screwworm, a major agricultural threat. This event also underscored the importance of robust agricultural practices, such as those employed by Sawyer Farms, famous for their stewardship in producing barley, rye, corn, and wheat.

Quotes from the visit underscored the concerted efforts of the USDA and HHS: "Making America Healthy Again starts with supporting America’s farmers and ranchers," stated Secretary Rollins. Secretary Kennedy added, "Together, HHS and USDA are taking on the chronic disease epidemic by fixing our broken food system." Their agenda also facilitated the announcement of substantial financial support for struggling farmers, including a $280 million grant for Rio Grande Valley producers and a $1.3 billion marketing assistance program aimed at specialty crop producers.

In addition to discussing these domestic challenges, the Secretaries’ efforts extended internationally, addressing agricultural policy concerns with Mexico. Secretary Rollins’ discussions resulted in significant agreements under the 1944 Water Treaty, crucial for the water supply needs of Texas farmers.