Angie Craig Questions USDA Secretary on Employee Layoffs and Trade Impact

USDA Workforce Reductions

• 📌 Representative Angie Craig expressed concern over the lack of certainty for farmers and producers, citing issues with USDA programs and staff reductions.
• 💡 Secretary Brooke Rollins clarified that no USDA employees were fired, stating that 15,000 took deferred resignations, which is within the normal attrition rate.
• ⚠️ Craig countered that voluntary retirements can lead to the loss of critical personnel, such as those involved in preventing bird flu, suggesting a more thorough review is needed.

Trade and Market Access

• 🎯 Craig questioned the strategy of initiating trade wars that reduce market access for U.S. soy producers, particularly in China.
• 🌍 Secretary Rollins highlighted efforts to expand markets, mentioning Italy as an example where U.S. agricultural imports are significantly lower than its total imports.
• 📈 Rollins stated that a deal with China was announced about an hour prior, addressing the market access issue.

Animal Disease and Vaccines

• 🐄 Craig inquired about support for developing a robust vaccine strategy to combat animal diseases, specifically mentioning turkey growers and the HPAI report.
• 🔬 Secretary Rollins confirmed that the USDA is exploring all options, including vaccines and therapeutics, with $100 million committed and 417 applications being processed.