(Washington, D.C., February 15, 2025) — Following the confirmation of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, leaders across the agriculture industry and elected officials are voicing their support. Here’s what they are saying:
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Republicans: “Congratulations to our newly confirmed United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Chairman @johnboozman looks forward to working with her to serve America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.”
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS): “Brooke Rollins is going to be a great Secretary of Agriculture. She has a wealth of experience in agricultural policy and understands the important role USDA plays in rural states like Mississippi. I was proud to support her throughout her confirmation process and am excited for her to get to work!”
Sen. Deb Fischer (NE): “During her hearing and in our conversations, @BrookeLRollins showed a strong commitment to American agriculture and our nation’s rural communities. I am confident that she will equip our producers for success as our next Secretary of Agriculture, and I look forward to working with her.”
Sen. Jim Banks (IN): “Just voted to confirm Ag Secretary @BrookeLRollins. IN is a top agriculture-producing state & her confirmation is a massive win for Hoosiers. Secretary Rollins will strengthen our domestic food security, remove unnecessary burdens on our farmers, & put rural communities FIRST.”
Sen. Roger Wicker (MS): “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to be the next Secretary of Agriculture!”
Sen. Katie Britt (AL): “Proud to support @BrookeLRollins as our next Ag Secretary. She'll champion American farmers, strengthen family farms, and ensure our ag community has what they need to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation. Let's Make Agriculture Great Again! #MAGA”
Sen. Rick Scott (FL): “Proud to vote YES on @SecRollins’ confirmation! Brooke will do an incredible job standing with the farmers, growers and producers in the Sunshine State and across the country.”
Sen. John Hoeven (ND): "She not only has the right background, but she has the ear of President Trump and will be a great advocate for our farmers and ranchers."
Sen. John Cornyn (TX): “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins, who I voted to confirm as our new U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary! I was honored to introduce my friend & fellow Texan at her Senate confirmation hearing last month, and I know she will be a strong voice for the farmers & producers in the Lone Star State.”
Sen. Roger Marshall (KS): “Congratulations to my friend Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as our next Secretary of Agriculture. As a fifth-generation farm kid, I can attest to her deep understanding and commitment to rural America. Not only will she focus on peeling back regulations, but she will also be a staunch supporter of farm-friendly trade policies and a champion of biofuels. Secretary Rollins will ensure that American agriculture remains the backbone of our nation’s food security and the heartbeat of American culture.”
Gov. Jim Pillen (NE): “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Secretary Rollins. I know that she will be a strong representative at the federal level on issues related to ensuring our nation’s food supply, creating new export markets, and meeting the needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. I’ve extended an invitation to Secretary Rollins so she can see first-hand how we utilize our natural resources, innovative technologies and strong work ethic to propel Nebraska to be a top ag producer. I look forward to the time when we can make that visit happen.”
Rep. Angie Craig (MN): “I congratulate Secretary Rollins on her confirmation, Secretary Rollins begins her new role at a critical time for American agriculture. Family farmers are struggling with high input costs and low prices; tariffs are being proposed that will raise costs on American producers and American consumers; the agricultural workforce is being threatened; and Congress is behind schedule in passing a new, bipartisan farm bill. If we want to tackle these challenges in a way that supports family farmers and the communities they feed, we will need to work together. I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Secretary Rollins as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.”
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA): “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke is a proven leader who understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. She is taking the helm of USDA at a critical juncture for our producers, and her experience and commitment to agriculture will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen the farm economy. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to deliver results for rural America and the hardworking men and women of agriculture.”
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN): “Congratulations to the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins! This is a great appointment for Minnesota farmers, and I look forward to working with her and the Trump administration for our strong rural communities.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig: “Clearly, President Trump has selected a highly capable and accomplished individual to lead USDA. Secretary Rollins’ commitment to returning USDA to its core mission of supporting all of agriculture is exactly the focus our country needs right now. I am confident that she will be an effective advocate for farmers, ensuring that President Trump’s policies reflect their needs and support the vitality of our rural communities.” Naig added, “The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship partners with USDA on many initiatives and issues, including Farm Bill programs, trade, food safety, foreign animal disease preparedness and response, conservation, and so much more. We are ready to work with Secretary Rollins and her talented team, and I look forward to welcoming her to Iowa very soon.”
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on being named Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture. Having known her for many years, Commissioner Sid Miller is looking forward to working with her in this administration #TexasAgricultureMatters”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Rollins understands farm values and will be a fighter for American agriculture and rural America. I look forward to working with her and President Trump to empower American farmers, level the playing field with our foreign competitors, and Make American Agriculture Great Again.”
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture: “The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture congratulates the Honorable Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the 33rd U.S. agriculture secretary. Rollin’s policy crafting experience and passion for opportunities for agriculture will contribute tangible impacts for American farmers and ranchers and people around the globe who enjoy U.S. food products. NASDA is enthusiastic to work with the secretary on our priorities including increasing economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers, advancing a new farm bill, improving Americans’ access to nutrient-dense foods and ensuring American agriculture can continue to provide the most secure, affordable and nutritious food supply in the world. As co-regulators with the federal government on agricultural, food and environmental policies, NASDA will work with the secretary to ensure agriculture leads the way toward a healthy and resilient world.”
Nebraska Farm Bureau: “Nebraska Farm Bureau and our nearly 57,000 member families congratulate Brooke Rollins and her family on her confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture. While the Secretary of Agriculture has many administrative responsibilities, the position’s most important function is to serve as agriculture’s ambassador within the federal government. We have no doubt that Secretary Rollins is committed to the future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families and look forward to working with her to help solidify and strengthen our position as food, fuel, and fiber producers for Nebraska, the United States, and the rest of the world. Let’s get to work!”
Iowa Farm Bureau: “Iowa farmers look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and USDA to take on the challenges facing agriculture today while cultivating new opportunities.”
Michigan Farm Bureau: “American agriculture is currently facing numerous challenges, but we are confident that Secretary Rollins has the vision and policy experience needed to advance the industry. We look forward to welcoming Secretary Rollins to Michigan, where she can experience firsthand the crop diversity of our state and witness the unwavering commitment of Michigan's farmers.”
Texas Farm Bureau: “Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. She is a passionate advocate for agriculture who assumes the Secretary position at a critical time for America’s farmers and ranchers. Her leadership will be critical as important farm policy decisions are made in Washington, D.C., such as the consideration and passage of a new farm bill that is long overdue. She is the first Texan to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and we are confident she will serve Lone Star farmers and ranchers and all U.S. farmers and ranchers with distinction.”
American Farm Bureau Federation: “Farm Bureau congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to be Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to her leadership as she takes over USDA at a critical time for America’s farmers and ranchers. Farm and ranch families are looking for a champion and a voice as they continue to face economic headwinds, labor challenges and uncertainty over the rural impacts of Washington’s current policy debates. Ms. Rollins will need to hit the ground running to ensure the administration understands the challenges farmers and ranchers are facing. With a heart for agriculture and rural America, we’re confident she’ll prioritize the distribution of disaster and economic aid, ensure adequate staffing for the essential functions of USDA agencies, keep USDA’s contractual promises with farmers, advocate for trade policy that maintains and grows markets for our agricultural products, and work with Congress to pass a modernized farm bill. The list is long, but we know she’s up to the challenge. Sec. Rollins knows her way around Washington and her experience navigating complex policies will serve agriculture well in the years to come. She will need a strong team built around her leadership, so we encourage the Senate to quickly confirm the remaining positions at USDA, including deputy secretary and under secretaries. We stand ready to roll up our sleeves and work with USDA, and the new administration, to ensure government policy positions farmers to manage the many risks and barriers in front of us so we can keep America’s pantries stocked.”
National Farmers Union: “I offer my congratulations to Secretary Rollins on her confirmation on behalf of Farmers Union’s family farmer and rancher members across the country. The Secretary of Agriculture is an incredibly influential public servant role, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) work impacts every farmer, rancher, and rural American across the country. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to ensure the continued growth of our nation’s agriculture economy and build a strong future for family farmers and ranchers. With a deep background in rural Texas and agricultural education paired with a career in policy at the state and federal levels, Secretary Rollins will provide a unique perspective as Agriculture Secretary. USDA plays a critical role in serving agriculture effectively and equitably. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to address the priorities NFU members continue to elevate: strengthening risk management tools for farmers, ensuring fairness in the marketplace, supporting the next generation of producers, protecting independent family farms from corporate concentration, expanding conservation programs that improve soil health and reduce input costs, advancing mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, and securing policies that ensure farmers receive a fair share of the food dollar.”
Farmers for Free Trade: “Secretary Rollins brings dedication, energy and experience to the big challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Her deep roots in rural America, combined with an impressive academic and professional track record—including her tenure as the president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, as well as her leadership roles in the White House—make her well suited to meet the moment. At a time when the American agricultural economy is facing immense problems, including rising input costs, global competition, and uncertain market conditions, Secretary Rollins’ leadership will be critical in ensuring that U.S. farmers and ranchers remain competitive. Trade is central to American agriculture, with exports accounting for a significant portion of farm revenue. With key partners like Canada, Mexico, and China purchasing half of all U.S. agricultural exports, it is imperative that we maintain and expand our access to these markets. Secretary Rollins’ commitment to strengthening free trade agreements and advocating for policies that support exports will provide much-needed stability and growth for the industry. Farmers for Free Trade looks forward to working closely with Secretary Rollins to advance policies that open new markets, reduce trade barriers, and enhance opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. We are confident that her leadership, experience, and dedication to rural America will drive positive outcomes for the agricultural community. We stand ready to support her efforts and to provide feedback on how American farmers remain a strong force in the global marketplace.”
Farm Credit Council: “As America’s farmers and ranchers face a range of challenges, it is crucial to have leaders who understand the unique needs of agriculture. For more than a century, Farm Credit has provided reliable, consistent credit and financial services to rural America, and we look forward to continuing our important mission in good times and in bad. We welcome the opportunity to work with Secretary Rollins to advance policies that strengthen rural communities and benefit producers.”
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: “Secretary Rollins’ first order of business must be to relieve and reverse the pain and confusion being felt by farmers and communities nationwide from the federal funding freeze. This includes honoring legal obligations to farmers and organizations by immediately releasing funding on all signed contracts. For weeks now, farmers and communities have been subjected to the chaos and uncertainty of an indiscriminate federal funding freeze, including unlawful contract terminations. Other critical work lies ahead – to deliver disaster relief to uninsured producers, and to steer the USDA toward supporting the economic viability of all farmers and communities. We look forward to sharing our members’ experiences and priorities with Secretary Rollins and the USDA.”
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives: “On behalf of America’s farmer cooperatives, I would like to congratulate Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture today. In this role, Secretary Rollins will lead an agency that impacts the operations of every farm and ranch in the country and touches every local community across rural America. She will also serve as the voice of producers within the Trump administration at a critical moment. NCFC looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on a range of issues within USDA that impact farmer co-ops and their members.”
Meat Institute: “Brooke Rollins’ passion for agriculture is clear, and we know she will be a strong advocate for the entire agriculture and food value chain from production to harvest and beyond. We look forward to working with her on issues important to the meat and poultry industry, which are important to consumers, producers, rural communities and the economic and national security of our nation. We will work with Secretary Rollins to ensure the Dietary Guidelines for Americans focus is on improving dietary habits with real world recommendations. It is important to provide clear dietary guidance to consumers on how they can include the meat products they need and want in their diets and also produce a positive, measurable health impact.”
National Association of Wheat Growers: “I appreciate Mrs. Rollins committing to getting the much-needed economic assistance for wheat producers rolled out during her confirmation hearing, as well as her interest in getting a long-term, meaningful farm bill signed into law this year that strengthens the farm safety net.”
International Dairy Foods Association: “looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins at USDA to strengthen Americans’ dietary health, support farmers and the entire dairy supply chain in the production of wholesome food, and build a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, growth and food safety.”
Renewable Fuels Association: “Throughout the confirmation process, we were encouraged to hear Secretary Rollins state that renewable fuels like ethanol will be a big part of President Trump’s energy dominance strategy and that she will defend and elevate all sources of American-made energy. At a time when the farm economy is struggling, we encourage Secretary Rollins to use all of the tools in USDA’s toolbox to open and expand markets for ethanol and its valuable coproducts. Indeed, the best way to boost rural America is to boost renewable fuels, and we are confident Secretary Rollins will continue USDA’s legacy of supporting this quintessential American industry. We look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to help ensure that lower-cost, cleaner-burning ethanol remains a vital part of our liquid fuel mix into the future, supporting energy independence and the rural economy.”
American Coalition for Ethanol: “We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA and look forward to working with her on our priority issues, including advancing our USDA RCPP projects aimed at ensuring farmers and biofuel producers get properly rewarded for sustainable farming practices under clean fuel programs and tax incentives such as the 45Z Clean Fuel Production credit. As 45Z guidance is finalized by the Trump Treasury, we will encourage Secretary Rollins to leverage USDA’s guidelines for crops used as biofuel feedstocks to help maximize opportunities for farmers and ethanol producers. We will also engage USDA on promoting further biofuel infrastructure funding opportunities for E15 and E85, as well as strengthening existing export and new SAF market opportunities.”
Growth Energy: “USDA Secretary Rollins made it clear during her confirmation hearings that she understands the key role America’s farmers and biofuel producers will play in President Trump’s efforts to restore rural prosperity and unleash U.S. energy dominance. We look forward to working with her to create jobs, rebuild farm revenues, and ensure that all Americans can save money at the pump by expanding access to homegrown biofuels.”
Texas Farm Bureau: “Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. She is a passionate advocate for agriculture who assumes the Secretary position at a critical time for America’s farmers and ranchers. Her leadership will be critical as important farm policy decisions are made in Washington, D.C., such as the consideration and passage of a new farm bill that is long overdue. She is the first Texan to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and we are confident she will serve Lone Star farmers and ranchers and all U.S. farmers and ranchers with distinction.”
California Fresh Fruit Association: “On behalf of the California Fresh Fruit Association, we congratulate Secretary Rollins and are excited to work with her and the team at USDA to help continue the viability of California’s fresh fruit industry to ensure the nation and world have a safe, nutritious, and reliable food supply.”
Michigan Farm Bureau: “American agriculture is currently facing numerous challenges, but we are confident that Secretary Rollins has the vision and policy experience needed to advance the industry. We look forward to welcoming Secretary Rollins to Michigan, where she can experience firsthand the crop diversity of our state and witness the unwavering commitment of Michigan's farmers.”
Chancellor of Texas A&M University: “It is always great to see Texas A&M represented in government, but we’re especially excited to see Aggies in the President’s cabinet. Aggies bring big ideas to fruition, we don’t limit ourselves on ideas, and I’m excited to see the next steps she takes for American agriculture.”
President of Texas A&M University: “Secretary Rollins is a shining example of the outstanding leaders we develop here at Texas A&M. She has a long list of accomplishments both in and out of the agricultural field and has carried the Aggie Core Values with her throughout her outstanding career. And now, she will share that commitment to excellence and selfless service with the American people. Aggies everywhere are beaming with pride for her today. Lead ’em well, Madam Secretary … and Gig ’em!”
Iowa Biodiesel Board: “The Iowa Biodiesel Board looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Rollins and the administration to ensure continued growth for biodiesel and the farmers whose livelihoods it helps support. Biodiesel is a cornerstone of Iowa agriculture, providing critical value to our soybean farmers while delivering American-grown fuel solutions. Yet our biodiesel producers are in a frustrating state of limbo, with several Iowa plants are currently idled. This is the result of key policies like the 45Z biodiesel tax credit and the Renewable Fuel Standard in question. We urge Secretary Rollins to prioritize these programs that strengthen rural economies, create jobs and enhance energy security, and look forward to helping in any way.”
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association: “IRFA members congratulate Sec. Rollins and look forward to working with her to grow markets for American farmers. The best way to support farmers and boost rural communities is to promote a robust role for homegrown renewable fuels. Step one is year-round E15 and getting HBIIP back on track following a pause in funding. Then we need to aggressively expand exports utilizing a strong MAP/FMD program. Working together, biofuels will be an important part in building American energy dominance.”
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation: “Iowa farmers look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and USDA to take on the challenges facing agriculture today while cultivating new opportunities.”
Nebraska Farm Bureau: “Nebraska Farm Bureau and our nearly 57,000 member families congratulate Brooke Rollins and her family on her confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture. While the Secretary of Agriculture has many administrative responsibilities, the position’s most important function is to serve as agriculture’s ambassador within the federal government. We have no doubt that Secretary Rollins is committed to the future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families and look forward to working with her to help solidify and strengthen our position as food, fuel, and fiber producers for Nebraska, the United States, and the rest of the world. Let’s get to work!”
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