Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently hosted a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C., with over 20 farmers representing seven states and a diverse range of agricultural industries. The discussion covered critical topics such as avian influenza, support for young farmers, international trade, and the state of the agricultural economy at both local and global levels.
Secretary Rollins was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on February 13, 2025. In a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) press release, Rollins shared that she is a Texas native and Texas A&M University graduate with a degree in agricultural development. She earned her Juris Doctor with honors and served as Governor Rick Perry’s policy director before running the Texas Public Policy Foundation for 15 years. She most recently served as Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the America First Policy Institute. Rollins was the Director of Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House during President Trump’s first administration.
During the roundtable discussion Secretary Rollins said, “President Trump is committed to supporting our great American farmers.” She highlighted the administration’s efforts to alleviate inflationary pressures and drive economic recovery in rural areas.
A top priority for Secretary Rollins is developing a comprehensive plan to combat avian influenza and support poultry farmers. She added that USDA will honor contracts already made directly with farmers.
“It’s refreshing that the new Secretary of Agriculture made it a priority within her first month to meet with farmers to hear our concerns,” Dave Marvel, a farmer in Harrington, said.
Marvel was among four Delaware Farm Bureau members representing the state at the roundtable, alongside Steve Breeding, Jim Minner, and Bill Powers.
Delaware Farm Bureau is hopeful to continue this relationship with USDA to ensure Delaware’s agricultural interests are well-represented at the national level.
