Rep. Zach Nunn Questions Ag. Sec. Rollins on Agroterrorism and Trade

Addressing Agroterrorism Threats

• ⚠️ Rep. Zach Nunn raised concerns about agroterrorism threats and dangerous loopholes that allow pathogens, like a fungus that could decimate crops, into the U.S.
• 🔍 Nunn highlighted recent incidents involving Chinese nationals pledging loyalty to the Chinese government bringing such pathogens into the country.
• ⚖️ He is working on a bipartisan bill, the PLAN Act (Prevent Lethal Agriculture and National Threats Act), to strengthen legal tools against these threats, as current federal prosecutors must prove intent to commit terrorism.
• ✅ Secretary Rollins agreed that strengthening legal tools is necessary and that this will be an important part of the national security plan for the agriculture world.

Trade and Market Development

• 📈 Nunn thanked Secretary Rollins for her leadership in developing new markets for American agricultural products, noting the importance of trade for family farms.
• 💰 He contrasted the Biden administration's lack of new trade deals with previous trade equity, which resulted in a significant trade deficit impacting family farms.
• 🤝 The committee has secured $285 million for permanent, mandatory year-over-year funding for trade promotion.
• 🌍 Rollins has taken a leadership role in international trade, with trips to Europe and Southeast Asia, and planned engagements with India and Brazil.

Support for Iowa Agriculture

• 🌽 Nunn acknowledged Iowa's leadership in corn, soybeans, hogs, and eggs, thanking the Secretary for her work in lowering egg prices.
• 🌱 He also thanked her for prioritizing biofuels and for understanding the importance of generational family farms, referencing her visit to the Man family farm.
• 🏥 The Secretary's quick work helped save jobs and ensure agricultural health security by providing treatments and vaccines for turkey flocks during a crisis.