American agriculture faces significant challenges, including trade deficits, labor shortages, rural development and the passage of a farm bill—issues highlighted during a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry hearing. During her confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s nominee for USDA secretary, Brooke Rollins outlined her vision to address these pressing concerns with bipartisan support.
In her opening statement, Rollins expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and shared her lifelong connection to agriculture. Rollins outlined her priorities, including deploying disaster assistance, addressing animal diseases, modernizing USDA operations and revitalizing rural communities. She pledged to work tirelessly to ensure American agriculture thrives.
“Agriculture is not just an industry—it is the heartbeat of our nation, feeding our people and fueling our economy,” Rollins said.
Trade, tariffs
Rollins faced questions from Democrats and Republicans regarding Trump’s plan to increase tariffs on imports, a move likely to trigger retaliatory tariffs on American exports.
Rollins acknowledged the potential “devastating impact” such measures could have on farmers and ranchers. However, she noted that Trump views tariffs as a “very important tool in the toolkit” for fostering economic growth.
Rollins said the USDA would be ready to provide financial aid to farmers impacted by a potential new trade war. She explained that she had discussed the matter with former USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to understand how similar support programs were implemented during Trump’s first term.
“We are prepared to execute something similar if approved … but also working with the White House to close those gaps for our farmers and ranchers moving forward,” Rollins said.
Senators raised concerns about the broader implications of trade policies on agriculture. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) stressed that farmers and ranchers in his state want opportunities to export their goods rather than rely on government aid.
“The only growth my farmers and ranchers can see in the foreseeable future is by growing our exports of agriculture,” Bennet said.
During the hearing, Rollins emphasized her dedication to addressing the $45 billion trade deficit. She expressed a commitment to policies that expand export opportunities and reduce dependence on short-term government assistance.
“Farmers want trade, not aid,” Rollins said, highlighting the need for markets to support the agriculture sector.
Immigration, labor
Labor and immigration challenges were key topics during the hearing. Rollins acknowledged the complexities of the H-2A visa program and pledged to work on reforms to streamline the process and reduce farmers’ costs.
“Our farmers depend on a reliable workforce, and we must ensure the H-2A program meets their needs while maintaining fairness and security,” she said.
Rollins also expressed a willingness to collaborate with Congress on broader immigration policies that support the agriculture sector while addressing national security concerns.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) highlighted the reliance of the industry on undocumented labor, noting that 40% of agricultural workers fall into this category. Rollins did not dispute this figure but defended Trump’s immigration policies.
“Listen, the president’s vision of a secure border and a mass deportation at a scale that matters is something I support,” Rollins said. “That is my commitment to help deploy President Trump’s agenda in an effective way.”
Rollins also said she plans to work closely with Labor Secretary nominee Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05), if confirmed, to address issues related to the agricultural workforce.
Nutrition, rural development
Nutrition programs were also a focus of the hearing. Rollins pledged to review USDA’s nutrition initiatives to improve their efficiency and impact. She stressed the importance of addressing childhood obesity and chronic diseases.
“We must ensure these programs support families in need while promoting healthier outcomes for future generations,” Rollins said.
Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) highlighted the significance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), noting its critical role in combating food insecurity, citing that nine out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural.
Rollins acknowledged her limited knowledge of SNAP but committed herself to learning more.
“I don’t fully understand, but plan to get more in the weeds on this if confirmed,” she said. “And working with all of you to make sure that your concerns are part of that education process for me.”
Rollins outlined her vision for revitalizing rural America through comprehensive federal efforts. She said she would draw on her experience leading the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, emphasizing targeted investments in housing, education and infrastructure.
“It’s about creating an environment where rural communities can thrive,” Rollins said.
Farm bill
The bipartisan focus on passing a comprehensive farm bill resonated throughout the hearing. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) emphasized the need for robust farm policies, including crop insurance and a strong safety net for producers. Rollins acknowledged the complexity of crafting a farm bill and stressed the urgent need for such legislation to address agricultural priorities.
“The farm bill is the backbone of our agricultural policy,” Rollins said. “We must ensure it provides a robust safety net for our farmers while fostering innovation and sustainability.”
Rollins also highlighted the importance of disaster assistance programs, noting that they must be deployed swiftly and efficiently to support farmers recovering from economic and environmental setbacks.
According to Politico, the committee will schedule a future meeting—timing still to be determined—to vote on advancing Rollins’ nomination to the full Senate. With strong Democratic support, her confirmation is expected to proceed smoothly. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
