Over 400 farmer and grower organizations urge the Senate to approve Trump's nominee for USDA.

A coalition of over 400 U.S. farm, agriculture, and growers groups wrote to Senate leaders this week, urging the prompt confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump's nominee Brooke Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They commended Rollins as a powerful advocate they believed would effectively represent the interests of rural America.

A total of 417 national and state growers groups representing various agricultural interests, including farmers, hunters, ranchers, forest owners, renewable fuel associations, and state departments of agriculture across the country, signed the document, which covers almost all aspects of American agriculture, food, nutrition, and rural America.

The USDA is responsible for overseeing the nation's agriculture and its practices, including supporting farmers, setting standards for school meals, and ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and eggs.

The letter was exclusively previewed to Planet Chronicle Digital and sent to Sens. John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar, the chair and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, respectively, one week before Rollins' confirmation hearing.

The signatories of the letter commended Rollins' extensive agricultural knowledge, along with her policy and business expertise, which they believed made her the ideal candidate for the position of U.S. agriculture secretary.

Rollins has been involved in American agriculture since childhood, having spent time baling hay and raising livestock in Glen Rose, Texas, and working on their family's farm in Minnesota during the summers.

She studied agricultural development at Texas A&M on a scholarship and later completed law school at the University of Texas. She worked for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and served as director of the United States Domestic Policy Council during Trump's first term as president. She then became president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, which aims to prioritize the interests of the American people.

The nonprofit think tank has urged Congress to limit China's access to American farmland and has been critical of President Biden's energy policies.

The letter stated that Rollins' agriculture and farming background, policy knowledge, and business experience make her uniquely qualified to provide effective executive leadership for USDA's diverse activities and large workforce.

The confirmation hearing for Rollins, scheduled for Thursday, coincides with a critical moment for U.S. growers and agribusinesses nationwide.

The farm bill and other priorities for farmers and industry groups have been delayed by lawmakers.

The government narrowly avoided a shutdown in late December with the passage of a spending bill, but it did not fully provide the necessary agriculture subsidies for many in the U.S.

The letter highlights Rollins' close working relationship with the incoming president, which will ensure that agriculture and rural America have a prominent and influential voice in White House decision-making.

The letter emphasized the importance of Rollins' leadership at USDA in order to promote a new farm bill, stabilize a declining agricultural economy, support the entire food and agriculture and forestry value chain, and maintain America's reputation as a provider of the world's most secure, affordable, and nutritious food supply.

Rollins is likely to receive support from lawmakers who have praised her experience and knowledge of agriculture.