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  • "U.S. Agriculture Secretary Rollins Advances Trump's Farming Agenda with International Initiatives and USDA Reforms"

    "U.S. Agriculture Secretary Rollins Advances Trump's Farming Agenda with International Initiatives and USDA Reforms"
    2025/06/01
    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has been actively advancing the Trump administration's agricultural agenda with several significant announcements and international initiatives in recent days.

    On May 30, 2025, Secretary Rollins announced she will lead a trade delegation to Rome, Italy on June 2-3, continuing her aggressive international travel agenda to promote American agriculture. During this visit, she plans to meet with senior Italian government officials, including Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, to address market access barriers facing U.S. agricultural products. Rollins expressed concern about "high tariffs and numerous non-tariff barriers" that have unfairly impacted U.S. agricultural stakeholders in European markets.

    Just days earlier, on May 27, Rollins announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key USDA positions, including Patrick Penn as Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. Penn, a former Kansas State Representative and Army Signal Officer, brings experience in reforming social welfare programs and reducing regulatory burdens.

    These appointments align with Rollins' "Farmers First" agenda, which she has been implementing since her confirmation as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on February 13, 2025. The agenda was formalized on May 19 when she unveiled the "Small Family Farms Policy Agenda" as part of her Make Agriculture Great Again Initiative. This comprehensive set of policies aims to improve the viability of small-scale family operations, which constitute approximately 86% of all U.S. farms.

    The policy framework addresses multiple challenges facing small family farmers, including streamlining application processes, improving access to credit and markets, enhancing risk management tools, and ensuring farmland can be passed down to future generations.

    Rollins has maintained an active travel schedule since taking office, visiting 15 states in her first 100 days. Earlier this month, she also announced plans to visit India, Japan, and Vietnam in the coming weeks as part of ongoing tariff discussions.

    Her appointment has received broad support from agricultural organizations including the National Corn Growers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and The Fertilizer Institute, with industry leaders praising her understanding of agricultural issues and policy expertise.

    However, Rollins has also initiated controversial workforce changes at USDA. Shortly after taking office, she referenced an "aggressive plan to optimize its workforce by eliminating positions that are no longer necessary," which led to the dismissal of probationary employees in several research-focused USDA agencies.

    As she continues to implement the administration's agricultural priorities, Rollins remains focused on expanding market opportunities for American farmers and ranchers while reshaping USDA's approach to agricultural policy and programs.
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    3 分
  • The Secretary of Agriculture what it is and does

    The Secretary of Agriculture what it is and does
    2025/06/01
    ### Podcast Episode Description: Unveiling the Impact of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

    **Title:** The Secretary of Agriculture: What It Is and Does

    **Description:** Dive deep into the pivotal role of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in this week's episode of "Cabinet Watch: A Deep Dive into America's Executive Leadership." Hosted by Dr. Mortimer, this episode unravels the intricacies of one of the most critical yet often overlooked cabinet positions that shape the American agricultural landscape.

    Join us as we spotlight Brooke L. Rollins, the newly appointed 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, sworn in in February 2025. Discover her groundbreaking journey from a Texas upbringing and distinguished academic achievements to her influential role in policy development alongside Governor Rick Perry and President Trump's administration.

    Our exploration covers Rollins' recent initiatives, including her commitment to the American Farmer, rural revitalization, and enhancing U.S. agricultural competitiveness. We highlight her ambitious first 100 days, focusing on legislative advancements like the farm bill, listening tours across rural America, and trade negotiations to bolster agricultural exports.

    Gain valuable insights into the Department of Agriculture's historical evolution and its expansive responsibilities, from managing national forests to ensuring food safety. Understand the past contributions of notable predecessors like Tom Vilsack and Ann Veneman, while examining the current challenges and opportunities facing Secretary Rollins, such as climate adaptation, market volatility, and technological innovations.

    Whether you're an agriculture enthusiast, policy wonk, or curious about how government decisions affect your life, this episode is packed with information on the Secretary of Agriculture's profound impact on American society, economy, and beyond. Subscribe to "Cabinet Watch" for more deep dives into the heart of America's executive leadership.

    **Keywords:** Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, USDA, American Farmers, Rural Revitalization, Agricultural Policy, Farm Bill, Food Safety, Trade Initiatives, Climate Change, Cabinet Leadership, U.S. Agriculture, Executive Government.
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    21 分
  • Rollins Bolsters USDA Funding, Appointments, and Policies to Support Farmers and Rural America

    Rollins Bolsters USDA Funding, Appointments, and Policies to Support Farmers and Rural America
    2025/05/29
    In recent days, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has taken a series of high-profile actions reflecting both domestic priorities and international engagement. This week, Secretary Rollins announced a substantial increase of $14.5 million in federal funding to reimburse states for meat and poultry inspection programs. This move addresses a recent decline in support and ensures that state inspection programs, essential for keeping the food supply safe and reliable, can continue operating at full capacity. Rollins emphasized the importance of strong federal-state partnerships and explained that the funding increase aligns with President Trump’s 2026 budget proposal, underscoring a renewed federal commitment to food safety.

    In tandem with these funding initiatives, Rollins unveiled a new slate of presidential appointments across key USDA divisions, including the Food and Nutrition Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development. Among notable appointees is Patrick Penn, a former Kansas State Representative and Army Signal Officer, who will become Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. The appointments are expected to reinforce the administration’s agenda of supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural America through policy built on direct engagement and practical experience.

    Policy for small family farms remains a clear focal point for Rollins. This month, after extensive travel and consultation with agricultural communities, she introduced the Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda. The comprehensive set of proposals aims to address long-standing challenges for small family farms, which make up the majority of U.S. agricultural operations. Key measures include streamlining loan and support applications, improving access to credit and farmland, ensuring farmland remains devoted to farming, and reforming definitions and resources to fit the realities faced by today’s small farmers. Labor reform and enhanced business planning resources are also core elements, designed to improve the long-term viability of family farms and encourage generational continuity.

    Internationally, Secretary Rollins has remained active in trade and agricultural diplomacy. Recent efforts include working with Costa Rica to secure expanded market access for American dairy producers and pushing forward on the registration of U.S. dairy facilities under streamlined Costa Rican regulations. In addition, Rollins has engaged with Mexican counterparts to combat agricultural pests such as the New World Screwworm, further reflecting the USDA’s ongoing commitment to both market access and agricultural biosecurity.

    Rollins has also indicated that changes in USDA’s organizational structure could be forthcoming. Plans include evaluating the consolidation of federal programs—particularly where multiple agencies have overlapping functions—in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. She has pointed to possible changes in federal firefighting services and rural development initiatives as examples of areas under consideration, all while stressing that essential services like food assistance and wildfire response will remain priorities.

    Collectively, these actions signal a dynamic and hands-on approach by Secretary Rollins, focused on practical support for rural America, strategic federal investments, and enhanced coordination across federal and state efforts. The initiatives underscore the administration’s pledge to place farmers and rural communities at the forefront of policy decisions, ensuring continued prosperity and food security nationwide.
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    4 分
  • "Farmers First: Secretary Rollins Unveils Policy Agenda to Support Small Family Farms"

    "Farmers First: Secretary Rollins Unveils Policy Agenda to Support Small Family Farms"
    2025/05/27
    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has been making waves with several major policy announcements over the past week. On May 19, 2025, after spending nearly 100 days traveling across America and meeting with hundreds of farmers, Secretary Rollins unveiled her "Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda" as part of her Make Agriculture Great Again Initiative. This comprehensive set of policies aims to support the 86 percent of U.S. farms that are small family operations through streamlined application processes, improved access to credit, and better business planning tools.

    Just yesterday, on May 27, Secretary Rollins announced a significant $14.5 million funding increase for state meat and poultry inspection programs. This decision comes in response to declining funding during the previous administration and aligns with President Trump's commitment to ensuring Americans have access to a safe and affordable food supply. The funding will help states maintain their inspection programs, which are crucial for getting American-produced meat and poultry to market.

    Last week, on May 26, Rollins participated in a "Make America Healthy Again" event alongside RFK Jr., where she emphasized the central role of agriculture in national wellness. "Without American agriculture at the center of this discussion, we cannot truly make America healthy again," Rollins declared. While praising the current food system as "the most robust, the safest, the best agriculture system in the world," she acknowledged there's room for improvement.

    Earlier this month, at a USDA conference with congressional staff, the agency revealed that more than 15,000 USDA employees, approximately 15% of the total workforce, have accepted financial incentives to leave the agency. The departures include 674 Farm Service Agency county employees, 2,408 Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, and 555 Food Safety Inspection Service employees. According to a USDA statement, these changes are part of Secretary Rollins' efforts to make the agency more efficient.

    Rollins has also been vocal about the challenges facing American farmers. At the Commodity Classic event in March, she described the U.S. farm economy as being in "Dire Straits," possibly in the worst shape in a century. She highlighted several issues, including a 30% increase in input costs, a growing trade deficit, and excessive regulations. Rollins expressed her intention to aggressively pursue expanded markets for American agricultural products and make capital more accessible, especially for younger farmers.

    The 52-year-old Rollins, who previously served as Director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration, was confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture earlier this year with support from over 400 agriculture-related groups and businesses.
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    3 分
  • Empowering American Farmers: Secretary Rollins' Transformative "Farmers First" Agenda

    Empowering American Farmers: Secretary Rollins' Transformative "Farmers First" Agenda
    2025/05/25
    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has been actively shaping agricultural policy in recent days with several major announcements aimed at supporting American farmers and improving public health outcomes.

    On May 19, 2025, Secretary Rollins unveiled her "Farmers First" policy agenda focused on small family farms after spending nearly 100 days traveling across America and meeting with hundreds of farmers. The comprehensive policy solutions aim to improve the viability and longevity of smaller-scale family operations, which represent about 86 percent of all farms in the United States. The agenda includes streamlining application processes, improving access to credit, protecting farmland, and providing business planning tools to help small family farmers thrive for generations to come.

    Just a few days later, on May 22, Secretary Rollins joined President Donald Trump at the White House for the release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report. The initiative focuses on addressing the high rates of chronic health issues among American families, particularly children, by encouraging research and education on diet, environmental exposures, physical activity, and reducing overmedicalization. Rollins emphasized that America's farmers and ranchers are at the heart of the solution to improving health outcomes.

    As part of this health initiative, Rollins has taken concrete steps, including signing the first-ever waiver to remove soda and energy drinks from Nebraska's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She has also worked with dairy producers to voluntarily remove artificial colors from products sold to K-12 schools for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

    Most recently, on May 23, Secretary Rollins announced USDA's intent to purchase up to $67 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide. These purchases include $20 million for Atlantic Groundfish, $14 million for Canned Pears, $3 million for Dried Sweet Cherries, $14 million for Great Northern Beans, and $16 million for Pacific Pink Shrimp. This is part of a larger effort, with USDA having provided more than $600 million in purchases to benefit the charitable feeding network in this fiscal year.

    In the background of these initiatives, the USDA is facing significant staffing changes. Recent reports indicate that more than 15,000 USDA employees (about 15% of the total workforce) have accepted financial incentives to leave the agency under the Trump administration. Secretary Rollins has stated she is working to make the agency more efficient, though the departures include hundreds of Farm Service Agency county employees who directly serve farmers and thousands of staff from other critical agricultural services.
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    3 分
  • "Rollins Unveils 'Make Agriculture Great Again' Initiative to Support Small Family Farms Nationwide"

    "Rollins Unveils 'Make Agriculture Great Again' Initiative to Support Small Family Farms Nationwide"
    2025/05/22
    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has unveiled a major policy initiative aimed at supporting small family farms across America. On May 19, 2025, after nearly 100 days of traveling the nation and meeting directly with hundreds of farmers, Rollins released the first set of policy proposals under her newly launched Make Agriculture Great Again Initiative.

    The Small Family Farms Policy Agenda presents comprehensive solutions to improve the viability and sustainability of smaller-scale family farms, which make up approximately 86 percent of all farms in the United States. The policy toolkit includes streamlining application processes, improving access to credit, ensuring farmland preservation, and providing appropriate business planning tools.

    Among the key measures announced, Rollins committed that applications for every farmer-focused program will be available for electronic submission by the end of 2025. The agenda addresses ten major challenge areas facing small family farmers, including access to credit, land use, generational transfer of farms, labor reform, risk management, and educational resources.

    The policy rollout builds on the Farmers First Roundtable event recently held at USDA Headquarters, where Rollins met with farmers and ranchers from 11 states who operate smaller-scale, family-owned operations. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture also participated in discussions about challenges facing small family farms across America.

    "America's family farms help feed, fuel, and clothe the world, but they also face some of the greatest challenges in getting their farms started and keeping them running," said Secretary Rollins. "Putting Farmers First means addressing the issues farmers face head-on and fostering an economic environment that doesn't put up roadblocks on business creation but removes them."

    In addition to this domestic policy focus, Rollins is also actively engaged in international trade matters. Earlier this month, she announced plans to visit India, Japan, and Vietnam in the coming weeks as part of tariff negotiations. These visits aim to push major U.S. trading partners to increase imports of American farm products and help address trade imbalances.

    Meanwhile, the Trump administration's plan for reorganizing and downsizing USDA is expected to be released by mid-May. According to statements made by Rollins in late April, the plan will likely call for consolidating some programs with other agencies. She emphasized that the reorganization is intended to make government services more efficient rather than cutting essential services.

    The American Farm Bureau Federation has expressed confidence in Rollins, with President Zippy Duvall stating, "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."
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    3 分
  • "Rollins Redefines USDA: Streamlining Operations, Boosting American Farmers"

    "Rollins Redefines USDA: Streamlining Operations, Boosting American Farmers"
    2025/05/15
    Brooke Rollins, the current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, has recently been at the forefront of significant policy conversations and administrative actions impacting American agriculture. Confirmed by the Senate earlier this year with broad bipartisan support, Rollins has quickly established her leadership, emphasizing efficiency and responsiveness at the Department of Agriculture. One of her earliest priorities has been to streamline operations and eliminate wasteful spending. Upon taking office, Rollins initiated a comprehensive review of USDA contracts and programs, targeting those she identified as inconsistent with the department’s core mission. This resulted in the termination of dozens of contracts valued at over $130 million, many of which were related to initiatives from the previous administration. Rollins has committed to further reviews aimed at optimizing resources and ensuring taxpayer dollars directly benefit farmers and rural communities.

    Rollins also addressed over four hundred USDA staff and stakeholders, pledging to instill greater transparency and efficiency in departmental operations. She underscored her commitment to refocusing USDA programs toward the needs of producers, ranchers, and rural America, distancing the agency from what she characterized as a drift toward unnecessary bureaucracy.

    On the policy front, the Secretary’s role was pivotal in the announcement of a historic new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. This deal, celebrated widely across the agriculture sector, promises to enhance market access for American products like beef and ethanol, effectively unlocking new export opportunities and providing a boost for American farmers. Trade groups and industry leaders have praised this development, citing the expanded economic integration and the strengthening of national security ties that it brings. Secretary Rollins’ advocacy for fair trade has been a consistent theme, promising to prioritize the interests of American agriculture in all international negotiations.

    Labor and immigration policy have also emerged as crucial issues under Rollins’ tenure, especially for labor-intensive industries such as wine and specialty crops. Amid broader discussions about changing immigration enforcement and its implications for farm labor supply, Rollins has acknowledged industry concerns about the stability and availability of agricultural workers, recognizing the sector’s dependence on both seasonal and year-round labor.

    Further amplifying her influence, Rollins recently co-authored a New York Times opinion piece with other national figures, reinforcing the importance of agricultural policy in the broader context of welfare and rural prosperity. She continues to articulate the administration’s “America First” approach, promising swift action and immediate benefits for the agricultural community.

    Throughout her brief but impactful time as Secretary, Rollins has struck a balance between reforming department practices and championing policies that address trade, labor, and economic resilience. Her leadership marks a notable departure from prior administrations, focusing on immediate action, support for producers, and a renewed emphasis on America’s role in global agricultural markets.
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    3 分
  • USDA Secretary Rollins Drives Farmer-Focused Initiatives Amid Agricultural Transformation

    USDA Secretary Rollins Drives Farmer-Focused Initiatives Amid Agricultural Transformation
    2025/05/13
    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has been actively shaping agricultural policy and support mechanisms during a pivotal period for American farmers and ranchers. In early May 2025, she convened the first Farmers First roundtable at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., bringing together state agriculture leaders, including the governor of Nebraska and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. More than 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states, focusing on independent and family-run operations, participated, highlighting the administration’s emphasis on supporting the backbone of rural America.

    During this roundtable, Secretary Rollins announced the imminent launch of a new plan designed to boost the economic viability of smaller, family-owned farms. Recognizing these operations as critical to the nation’s agricultural landscape, the USDA is prioritizing measures to help current and future family farmers sustain and expand their businesses for generations. Rollins formalized a new partnership with state-level agriculture agencies, aiming to strengthen federal, state, and local collaboration to keep farmers, particularly those in independent and underserved sectors, at the center of policy decisions.

    A major headline emerged with the announcement that the USDA portal for disaster assistance enrollment will open before the end of May. This move follows congressional approval of nearly $21 billion in disaster aid addressing the severe natural disasters that affected agriculture over the past two years. In testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, Rollins stated that details for signing up for this aid, which includes $2 billion dedicated to livestock producers, will be released in the coming weeks. The package is designed to quickly provide relief through both block grants to states and direct compensation to farmers, particularly those hit hardest by weather extremes and natural disasters.

    On the global front, Secretary Rollins has begun a five-month initiative to visit seven international markets, aiming to promote American agricultural exports and open new trade opportunities. This push is intended to secure more stable and diverse outlets for US producers, enhancing rural prosperity.

    Earlier in the year, Rollins implemented a series of reforms targeting greater efficiency at the USDA. She announced the termination of 78 contracts totaling more than $132 million, arguing the cuts would prevent wasteful spending and redirect resources to serve farmers more directly. Additionally, the USDA is reviewing over 1,000 more contracts and shifting focus away from certain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives instituted under the previous administration. Rollins has highlighted that these changes are meant to align the department’s programs with the core values and needs of rural communities and taxpayers.

    These recent moves by Secretary Rollins reflect a broader strategy to streamline USDA operations, provide faster and more targeted aid to those most in need, and empower American agriculture both domestically and on the global stage. Her actions suggest a clear focus on efficiency, farmer-centered policy, rapid disaster response, and international engagement, marking a transformative period for agricultural leadership in the United States.
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    4 分