US Senate confirms Rollins as new secretary of agriculture

Rollins

Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the new USDA secretary Feb. 13. The U.S. Senate confirmed Rollins by a vote of 72 to 28.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s 33rd secretary of agriculture—and a privilege beyond description to have the trust of President Donald J. Trump, and the opportunity to advance his agenda,” Rollins said. “I am thrilled to lead USDA and to serve the people of this country. 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 U.S. agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”

Upon nominating Brooke Rollins in November, President Trump said, “Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”

With her family present, Rollins was sworn in by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a private ceremony Feb. 13. (Photo: USDA)

Originally from Glen Rose, Texas, Rollins most recently served as the founder, president and and CEO of the America First Policy Institute.

During Trump’s first administration, she was the director of the Domestic Policy Council and assistant to the president for strategic initiatives in the White House.

She also previously served as director of the Office of American Innovation.

In these roles, she developed and managed the domestic policy agenda of the Trump administration.

Rollins graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development and was the first female to be elected student body president.

After earning her law degree with honors at the University of Texas School of Law, she served as Gov. Rick Perry’s policy director before running the Texas Public Policy Foundation for 15 years.

At TPPF, Rollins elevated a small policy organization to a national force and redefined the possibilities for a state-based think tank—setting the model and aspiration for AFPI.

“The American Soybean Association looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on a variety of key priorities, from the farm bill and biotechnology to biofuels support and agricultural trade, all of which have a significant impact on U.S. soybean farmers and the broader agricultural community,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland. “Additionally, ASA is committed to working with Secretary Rollins as USDA reviews conservation programs. Soy growers are dedicated to land preservation and actively participate in initiatives like Projects for Climate Smart Commodities and NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program. These programs are vital to support farmers’ conservation goals and ASA appreciates the secretary’s commitment to advancing USDA’s role in this important area.”

The Iowa Biodiesel Board also congratulated Rollins.

“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,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of IBB. “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 we look forward to helping in any way.”

Iowa leads the nation in biodiesel production, making federal support for homegrown biofuels essential to the state’s agricultural and economic future, Kimberley added.