Following President Trump’s State of the State address Tuesday evening, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins met with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) board of directors Wednesday to reassure them of the Trump administration’s support for production agriculture.
Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross, a Leelanau County cherry producer recently elected to the AFBF board, joined with other state Farm Bureau presidents to share growing concerns impacting the U.S. farm economy.
“Secretary Rollins spoke passionately about standing up for farmers and ranchers — and acknowledged that agriculture is facing very strong headwinds and challenges from every direction,” LaCross said.
Describing herself as the “Chief Champion for American Agriculture,” LaCross said Rollins clearly understands the big issues facing agriculture, assuring members of the AFBF board that she's in close communication with the president and cabinet members about policy impacts on agriculture.
“As Secretary Rollins listened to our concerns this morning, her enthusiasm and energy for agriculture is evident,” said LaCross, adding, “She will be a great advocate for agriculture in the Trump administration.”
According to LaCross, Rollins also encouraged Farm Bureau members, farmers and ranchers to engage with the public, stressing that it has never been more important to tell agriculture’s story.
“We stand ready to roll up our sleeves and work with USDA and the new administration,” LaCross said. “I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to address the challenges facing Michigan farmers.”
In comments earlier this week to producers attending the Commodity Classic, Rollins announced the $10 billion in economic assistance approved by Congress in the year-end continuing resolution would be released within weeks —ahead of the March 21 deadline through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program.
“Our approach is guided by three principles — we want the process to be simple, transparent and fast,” said Rollins, adding that USDA is also simultaneously working on rapid implementation of the $20 billion in disaster assistance due to weather, and developing tools to provide for fair and transparent standards for calculating payments.
While USDA has completed its review and released previously frozen funds for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agriculture Conservation Easement programs, Rollins said the Department of Government Efficiency continues a “line by line” review of USDA’s annual $230 billion budget.
That includes the USDA’s termination of 340 contracts totaling $300 million, including identifying and canceling 948 diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) employee trainings, according to Rollins, and 1,000 DEI-related training projects.
Turning to concerns of trade and tariffs, Rollins pointed to Trump’s assistance during his first term in supporting U.S. producers.
“President Trump will not forget our farmers when he's negotiating with former foreign leaders,” Rollins said. “He is the ultimate deal maker, and he is going to ensure that our farmers are being treated fairly by our trading partners.”
Calling the failure to secure a new farm bill “inexcusable,” Rollins committed to getting a farm bill done by the end of this year “to provide production agriculture the certainty you need to plan for the future. You deserve that, and I believe Congress will deliver, with help from all of us.”
Share Story
Article Tags
