Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, expressed his support for Brooke Rollins after voting to confirm her as Secretary of Agriculture. Hoeven stated, "Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead the Department of Agriculture. Secretary Rollins grew up on a ranch so she not only has the right background, but she has the ear of President Trump and will be a great advocate for our farmers and ranchers. We look forward to working with her to advance the priorities of our producers and rural America, and appreciate her commitment to come to North Dakota to see firsthand our state’s agricultural leadership."

During Rollins' hearing before the Agriculture Committee, Senator Hoeven discussed various initiatives aimed at strengthening U.S. agriculture. He secured commitments from Rollins on several key issues:

- Passing a strong farm bill that invests in the farm safety net among other producer priorities.

- Implementing and delivering $33.5 billion in disaster assistance he helped secure in year-end funding legislation. This package addresses losses from natural disasters and challenging markets, with specific funds set aside for livestock losses due to wildfire.

- Ensuring access for agriculture producers to U.S. Forest Service lands in North Dakota, including grazing on national grasslands.

- Improving access to foreign markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

- Visiting North Dakota to learn about precision agriculture efforts in the state, including partnerships between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University, and the Agricultural Research Service.