Rollins Discusses Her Priorities At USDA

Prior to the President's Day weekend on the patio at USDA Headquarters, Texas’ Brooke Rollins, welcomed by USDA officials, staff and dignitaries, one day after taking the oath of office as the Nation’s 33rd Agriculture Secretary.  She joins Ann Veneman as women heading the agriculture department.  During her welcome reception, she acknowledged.

“American agriculture is in its worst economic straits in nearly a century with grave challenges on prices, on markets and on labor intersecting all at the same time. There is a great conversation underway among the American people about agriculture, food and health.”

Some of those issues and conversation topics she shared during her Senate confirmation hearing in January.

“We must ensure that the disaster and economic assistance authorized by Congress is deployed as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We must work with the great men and women of USDA, the stakeholder communities and state leaders to immediately and comprehensively get a handle on the state of animal disease outbreaks.”

The Secretary admits the types of conversations producers and consumers are having about various farm and food sector issues are unavoidable, and in regard to USDA, should not be avoided.

“We will be at the center of both and we will meet them both with professionalism and patriotism. That is the foundation of this department and our mission together.”

Also expected to be part of Secretary Rollins first year in office advising Congress on behalf of USDA on the crafting of a new Farm Bill. 

“I am dedicated and committed to providing all of you with the timely technical assistance that we will need to ensure that we have a farm bill that moves forward.”

She also told those viewing her welcome ceremony, both in person and virtually the connection of history and agriculture in our nation. Including the history of the People's Department will be a guiding force during her administration.

“There is great purpose and deep history underlying our work and it is our North Star. Will ensure that American agriculture feeds all America and the world besides.”

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