By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently visited Ohio alongside Governor Mike DeWine to speak with farmers and discuss USDA’s efforts to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and support family farms.
“USDA is putting Farmers First. Ohio farmers were hit hard by the spread of bird flu under the Biden Administration, and as Secretary, I have worked to implement a five point plan and roll out additional grants to give Ohio farmers the support they need. Thank you to Governor DeWine for inviting me to visit the Buckeye State and for continuing to lead with America First policies at the state level,” said Secretary Rollins.
Governor DeWine praised the visit, saying, “HPAI has been devastating for poultry farmers in western Ohio, so I appreciate that Secretary Rollins came here personally to speak with local farmers and hear what they've been going through.”
The USDA’s five-point plan focuses on strengthening biosecurity, expanding rapid testing, improving farmer outreach, investing in research, and providing financial support. Ohio farmers have benefited from these efforts, receiving three grant awards worth $1.4 million under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program.
Additionally, through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), USDA awarded over $218 million to more than 20,672 farmers in Ohio for the 2024 crop year, helping them recover from challenges caused by HPAI and other disasters.
Secretary Rollins’ visit demonstrates the Administration’s strong commitment to protecting family farms, lowering egg prices for consumers, and ensuring a sustainable future for American agriculture.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National