On June 21, 2023, the logo of the United States Department of Agriculture appeared on the United States Department of Agriculture building in Washington, DC, USA. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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U.S. President-elect Trump is expected to choose Brooke Rollins, director of the America First Policy Institute, to be agriculture secretary, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday.
If confirmed, Rollins will lead a 100,000-person agency with offices in every county across the country, with responsibilities including farm and nutrition programs, forestry, home and farm lending, food security, rural development , agricultural research, trade, etc. The 2024 budget is $437.2 billion.
Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The nominee’s agenda will have an impact on the diet and wallets of urban and rural America. Agriculture Department officials and staff are responsible for negotiating trade deals, directing dietary recommendations, inspecting meat, fighting wildfires and supporting rural broadband, among other activities.
The America First Institute is a right-leaning think tank whose staff worked closely with Trump’s campaign to help shape policy for his incoming administration. She served as chair of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term.
If confirmed, Rawlings will advise the government on how and whether to implement a clean fuel tax credit for biofuels as the industry looks to grow by producing sustainable aviation fuel.
The nominee will also shepherd next year’s renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, in the shadow of controversies over Mexico’s attempts to ban imports of genetically modified corn and Canadian dairy import quotas.
Trump said he again plans to impose sweeping tariffs that could affect the agricultural sector.
He is considering offering the position to former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a staunch ally of his who chose him to serve in his first term, CNN reported Friday Co-Chair of the Committee.
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