WASHINGTON, DC, US — US agriculture groups voiced support for the confirmation of Brooke Rollins as leader of the US Department of Agriculture and said they look forward to working with her in support of American agriculture and related industries.  

Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd US Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 13 after the Senate confirmed her appointment by a vote of 72 to 28.

“I am thrilled to lead the US Department of Agriculture and to serve the people of this country,” Rollins said. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers and the agriculture community. Together, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that US Agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”

Rollins was most recently founder, president and chief executive officer of the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank formed in 2021 to promote President Donald Trump’s public policy agenda.

She was Texas Governor Rick Perry’s policy director before running the Texas Public Policy Foundation for 15 years. Rollins has a juris doctor from the University of Texas School of Law and a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University.

She is originally from Glen Rose, Texas, US, and was a member of the National FFA Organization growing up.

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) said it appreciated her experience in agriculture and leadership.

“NGFA is committed to advancing priorities that align with the needs of American agriculture, including a robust transportation infrastructure to ensure the safe and speedy movement of agricultural goods to market, a level playing field in the international marketplace to support global competitiveness, passage of policies designed to help the rural economy prosper, and reduced regulatory burdens to spur investment and encourage efficiency across the food and agriculture sector,” said Mike Seyfert, president and CEO of the NGFA. “We look forward to partnering with Secretary Rollins on these key issues and others to strengthen rural America and create opportunities for US agribusinesses.”

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) said it appreciated Rollins committing to economic assistance for wheat producers during her confirmation hearing and her interest in signing a long-term farm bill this year.

“NAWG looks forward to working with you to deliver real results for wheat growers and rural America,” said Chandler Goule, CEO of NAWG.

The feed industry, which creates a link between crop and animal agriculture, is calling on the USDA to create an animal disease preparedness and response network. In addition, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) said it hopes that the agency will continue its efforts to harmonize the regulatory framework across the agencies responsible for bringing novel human and animal nutrition-improving technologies to market.

“As our international counterparts and organizations convene to develop strategies to reduce food insecurity and environmental impact, we will support Secretary Rollins in her diplomatic efforts to ensure science-based standards and regulations remain a top priority,” said Constance Cullman, president and CEO of the AFIA. “Our members are committed to providing expertise and counsel to the USDA delegates charged with ensuring agriculture has a firm footing in 21st century trade agreements.”

Growing domestic markets is also important, said John Bode, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association.

“We are excited to support Rollins and the rest of the USDA team to advance the interest of American agriculture and related industries, which account for 20% of America’s economy,” he said. “Through science- and risk-based policies, we can create new jobs, strengthen our food system, and build a stronger rural America.”

The American Coalition for Ethanol also is interested in supporting rural America, including biofuels producers. It plans to work with Rollins on tax incentives such as the 45Z Clean Fuel Production credit.