WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed hundreds of local leaders at the National Association of Counties on March 4, outlining her blueprint for restoring prosperity to rural America. Her remarks touched on a range of pressing issues, from economic recovery and tax reform to disaster aid and optimizing USDA operations. With a focus on empowering local communities and preserving the heart of rural life, Rollins emphasized the importance of delivering resources effectively while addressing longstanding structural inefficiencies.
Supporting Families and Communities
Rollins reiterated the vital role rural towns play in shaping the American identity, calling them the “beating heart of our nation.” She spoke with optimism about their resilience, noting that restoring prosperity to these areas entails more than job creation—it’s about fostering hope and securing the continuity of community traditions.
Seated against the backdrop of recent challenges, Rollins highlighted the administration’s focus on supporting farmers, ranchers, and small businesses who form the backbone of rural economies. “Restoring rural prosperity isn’t just about bringing back jobs. It’s about preserving the quintessential American way of life,” she explained.
Economic and Disaster Relief
Recognizing the immediate need for economic relief in rural communities, Rollins provided an update on the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to distribute $30 billion in economic and disaster aid approved by Congress last December. This includes $10 billion earmarked for economic assistance under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (E-CAP), which will launch applications by March 20. The remaining $20 billion will address damage caused by weather conditions outside farmers’ control.
Rollins assured stakeholders of a transparent and efficient rollout, promising a “simple, fair, and user-friendly” application process to ensure relief reaches those who need it most. “We are working around the clock to distribute this aid,” she noted, highlighting the urgency of the economic challenges facing rural towns.
Streamlining USDA Operations
One of Rollins’ central themes was optimizing the Department of Agriculture to better serve its core mission. Efforts are already underway, she revealed, to reduce inefficiencies and clarify funding sources for longstanding farm programs. This move aims to provide farmers with certainty about program eligibility and funding, boosting confidence in initiatives intended to support agricultural sectors.
While committing to addressing inefficiencies, Rollins also stressed the importance of maintaining essential programs that farmers depend on, highlighting the fine balance needed as the department undergoes these operational adjustments.
Advancing Tax Reform
Rollins voiced her support for President Trump’s push to extend and expand tax cuts, particularly targeting long-standing issues like the estate tax—commonly referred to as the “death tax.” Eliminating this tax, she argued, would secure the legacy of family farms for future generations. She also called for initiatives to incentivize businesses to relocate production to small towns, strengthening local economies and creating jobs in rural areas.
Commitment to Farm Bill Progress
Rolling into the pivotal year for a new farm bill, Rollins reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring Congress passes comprehensive legislation to provide farmers with the stability required for long-term planning. “Together, we can avoid punting a full five-year farm bill for a third time,” she remarked, signaling urgency in achieving this legislative milestone.
Vision for Rural Development
Rollins also previewed an ambitious new initiative aimed at reviving rural communities through collaboration with federal, state, and local stakeholders. This initiative will emphasize USDA’s Rural Development programs as a linchpin for growth and innovation. Priority areas will include the expansion of satellite internet, improved healthcare services, quality childcare, and access to education.
Acknowledging the value of community-driven solutions, Rollins pledged to return power to local leaders who know their communities best. “We will ensure USDA’s programs are running as efficiently and effectively as possible while inviting the private sector to participate in this national endeavor,” she said.
Helping Communities Thrive
Rollins closed her remarks by recognizing the dedication of local officials and communities across the nation who continue to weather economic and natural hardships. She stressed that rural prosperity cannot be achieved solely through federal action, underscoring the role of local innovation and leadership in driving sustainable progress.
Her vision for revitalizing rural America reflects a multifaceted strategy that weaves together economic assistance, structural reform, and long-term investments in community infrastructure. If implemented successfully, it could mark a renewed chapter of growth for the nation’s rural heartland.
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