Key Takeaways
- Brooke Rollins, nominated by President Donald Trump, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee as part of her confirmation process.
- Rollins outlined key priorities for agriculture, including economic aid, trade policy, labor reform, regulatory changes, and animal disease management.
- She plans to oversee the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and modernize the department of agriculture’s operations.
- Rollins’ support for tariffs and stricter immigration policies may impact farmers and agricultural labor markets.
- Climate-related initiatives remain uncertain under her leadership, with a focus shifting toward deregulation and trade expansion.
Brooke Rollins’ Background and Career
Brooke Rollins, born in Glen Rose, Texas, holds a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. She has served in key roles, including:
- Deputy General Counsel, Ethics Advisor, and Policy Director to Texas Governor Rick Perry.
- President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (2003–2018).
- Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, Director of the Office of American Innovation, and Acting Director of the Domestic Policy Council during the Trump administration.
- Currently, she serves as President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank.
Key Priorities for U.S. Agriculture Presented By Brooke Rollins
1. Economic Support and Trade Policy
Rollins has pledged to swiftly distribute $10 billion in economic aid approved in December 2024. She also supports establishing a new farm bailout program, similar to the $23 billion in trade aid provided during President Trump’s first term, to offset potential losses from tariffs.
She has endorsed Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on imports, including a proposed 10% tariff on Chinese goods starting February 18, 2025. While acknowledging the potential negative impact on farmers, Rollins supports these measures as part of broader trade policy.
2. Immigration and Labor Reform
Rollins has expressed support for stricter immigration policies, including mass deportations, which could significantly affect the agricultural workforce. To address labor shortages, she has stated her willingness to reform the H-2A visa program.
3. USDA Modernization and Regulatory Changes
Rollins plans to modernize and realign the USDA, which includes ending remote work for federal employees and eliminating regulations she deems burdensome. The administration has already frozen new regulations, which may impact initiatives such as clean fuel tax incentives.
4. Animal Disease Management
Rollins has identified addressing the spread of animal diseases, including bird flu (H5N1), as a top priority, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies to protect agricultural production.
5. Rural Development and Trade Expansion
Rollins has highlighted the importance of supporting rural communities, ensuring long-term success through expanded trade markets, and promoting rural economic resiliency.
6. Farm Bill Reauthorization
Rollins will work with Congress to develop and pass the 2025 Farm Bill, aiming to provide stability and predictability for farmers and ranchers.
7. Climate and Environmental Policies
The administration has halted offshore wind leasing and approvals for wind projects, potentially impacting agricultural landowners involved in such projects. There is also uncertainty about the continuation of climate-smart agriculture initiatives started under the previous administration.
Policy Shifts and Uncertainty
Rollins’ plans indicate a focus on economic support for farmers, trade expansion, and deregulation, with potential impacts on labor availability and environmental policies. Her priorities align with the administration’s broader agenda, but the long-term effects on U.S. agriculture, particularly in areas like trade disruptions, labor shortages, and climate initiatives, remain to be seen.
Rollins concluded her testimony by emphasizing her commitment to serving American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, stating, “My aim is to ensure that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our nation’s prosperity.”
