Rollins is the founder and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, the nonprofit think tank formed to promote Trump’s public policy agenda.
She was on Trump’s 2016 economic advisory council and director of the Domestic Policy Council, director of the Office of American Innovation and assistant to the president for strategic initiatives.
“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,” Trump stated in announcing Rollins’ nomination. “As our next agriculture secretary, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.”
Industry leaders issued statements congratulating Rollins on her nomination.
“We’re pleased she has a good relationship with our state Farm Bureau in Texas and hope to build on it if she’s confirmed by the Senate,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, in a statement. “We’re encouraged by her statement that she’d ‘fight for America’s farmers and our nation’s agricultural communities.’ Effective leadership at USDA is more important than ever as farmers and ranchers face a struggling agricultural economy.”
“Texas Farm Bureau has known and worked with Brooke Rollins for many years,” Texas Farm Bureau president Russell Boening stated. “Our organization first met Brooke when she attended our TFB Citizenship Seminar and competed in our youth contests while in high school. Her leadership skills were evident then and during her service in the first Trump administration. She is a passionate advocate for agriculture and is an excellent nominee for U.S. secretary of agriculture.”
“I am hopeful her rural roots instilled in her the important role family farmers and ranchers play in supporting our nation’s economy,” said Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, in a statement. “If confirmed, Ms. Rollins will begin her tenure at a time when family farmers and our communities face historic challenges, including soaring input costs, difficult market conditions, extreme weather events, and the ongoing need for the certainty of a five-year farm bill.”
“We look forward to working with the next secretary of agriculture on ways to reduce redundancies, wasteful spending and improve efficiency so that more of the dollars intended to support farms get to the actual farmers,” said Laurie Fischer, CEO of the American Dairy Coalition, in a statement. “We are encouraged by Rollins’ history with the Office of American Innovation in Trump’s first term because our farmers are key innovators and lifelong stewards of natural resources. Now more than ever, we need real world application of sound farmer-led policy and innovation to the realities faced by America’s farmers and the country they work hard every day to feed.”
“As someone who grew up in a rural community directly connected to agriculture, she has a deep respect and appreciation for the work that America’s farmers and ranchers do,” the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives said in a statement. “We look forward to working with her both in the upcoming confirmation process and once she assumes the role of secretary.”
“From her time as a college student studying agriculture development to her distinguished career in Texas and Washington, Brooke Rollins has a history of fighting for Main Street and rural America,” said Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, in a statement. “America’s cattle producers need a Secretary of Agriculture who will protect family farms and ranches, roll back crushing regulations, and stand up for rural values — and we look forward to working with Secretary-Designate Rollins to make it happen.”
“America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and factory workers applaud President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to ensuring that agriculture remains a vital cornerstone of our nation’s economy and food security,” said Jack Pettus, chairman of the American Sugar Alliance, in a statement. “Agriculture is facing historic challenges, and we look forward to working with Secretary-designate Rollins to support our farmers, protect rural communities, and preserve the most abundant and diverse food supply in the world.”
“Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination and we look forward to working with her to build a stronger, more resilient U.S. potato industry that protects our family farms and the 700k-plus jobs supported by the industry,” said Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, in a statement.
Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&M University. Trump also cited her family farming background; upbringing in Glen Rose, Texas; her leadership involvement in 4-H and FFA and “guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers.”
Prior to Rollins’ nomination, other names mentioned across media and social media outlets for agriculture secretary included Duvall; Kip Tom, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Gregg Doud, former chief agricultural negotiator and now president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation; and Kelly Loeffler, former U.S. senator from Georgia.
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