Introduction: A New Era for American Agriculture
On February 13, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brooke L. Rollins as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture with a decisive 72-28 vote, marking a significant moment for the nation’s agricultural and forestry sectors. The American Forest Foundation (AFF), a leading conservation organization representing family forest owners, enthusiastically welcomed the confirmation, citing Rollins’ deep agricultural roots and policy expertise as key assets for advancing rural economies and sustainable land management. This article explores the implications of Rollins’ appointment, AFF’s support for her leadership, and how her vision aligns with initiatives like the Disaster Reforestation Act, drawing parallels to the sustainable elegance of Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2026 Bridal Collection.
Who Is Brooke Rollins?
Brooke Leslie Rollins, a Texas native, brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Raised in Glen Rose, Texas, Rollins grew up baling hay, raising livestock, and working on her family’s farm in Minnesota, experiences that instilled a lifelong passion for agriculture. She graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, becoming the first woman elected student body president. She later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law, also with honors.
Rollins’ career spans significant roles in policy and leadership. She served as policy director to Texas Governor Rick Perry, where her portfolio included agriculture, and led the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) for 15 years, transforming it into a national conservative think tank. During President Donald Trump’s first term, she was Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, driving bipartisan reforms like the First Step Act. Most recently, she founded and led the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a Trump-aligned think tank that shaped policy for his second administration.
Her confirmation, sworn in by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, positions her to lead a 100,000-person agency with a $437.2 billion budget in 2024, overseeing farming, nutrition programs, forestry, rural development, and food safety.
AFF’s Endorsement: A Voice for Family Forest Owners
The American Forest Foundation, which empowers family forest owners to manage 290 million acres of U.S. forests, issued a statement through President and CEO Rita Hite praising Rollins’ confirmation. “We’re excited to work with Secretary Rollins to advance both traditional and emerging markets that improve the health and productivity of our nation’s woodlands,” Hite said, highlighting Rollins’ potential to champion economic opportunities for rural families while conserving working lands.
AFF’s support stems from Rollins’ understanding of rural challenges and her commitment to policies that support family landowners. Family forest owners, who manage 36% of U.S. forests, are critical to maintaining ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, clean water, and wildlife habitats. However, they face significant hurdles, particularly after natural disasters, which the Disaster Reforestation Act aims to address. Rollins’ leadership is seen as pivotal in advancing such initiatives and fostering resilient rural communities.
Rollins’ Vision for Agriculture and Forestry
During her Senate confirmation hearing on January 23, 2025, Rollins outlined five primary objectives for her tenure, which resonate with AFF’s mission:
- Efficient Disaster and Economic Assistance: Ensuring swift deployment of congressionally authorized aid to farmers and landowners affected by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, which caused $1.28 billion in timber losses in Georgia.
- Animal Disease Management: Addressing outbreaks like H5N1 (bird flu) and New World Screwworm to protect livestock and poultry industries.
- Farm Bill Passage: Collaborating with Congress to pass a robust, overdue Farm Bill to provide stability for farmers and forest owners.
- Revitalizing the USDA: Streamlining operations to better serve agriculture and rural communities, reducing regulatory burdens.
- Rural Development and Sustainability: Supporting infrastructure, regulatory reform, and workforce development to ensure long-term prosperity for rural areas.
These priorities align with AFF’s goals of empowering family forest owners through market-based solutions, such as the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), which incentivizes sustainable forest management. Rollins’ focus on disaster aid and rural development directly supports AFF’s advocacy for policies like the Disaster Reforestation Act, which would allow landowners to deduct the market value of timber lost to disasters, enabling reinvestment in reforestation.
The Disaster Reforestation Act: A Shared Priority
The Disaster Reforestation Act, introduced in the Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and in the House as H.R. 4210 by Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Buddy Carter (R-GA), is a cornerstone of AFF’s policy agenda. The Act addresses a critical inequity in the tax code: unlike farmers of annual crops, forest owners cannot currently deduct the full market value of timber destroyed by natural disasters, leaving them financially stranded after events like hurricanes or wildfires.
For family forest owners, who often have household incomes below $50,000, the loss of a timber crop—representing 25 to 40 years of growth—can be devastating. The Act would allow deductions for the appraised value of uncut timber, minus salvage value, providing the financial relief needed to replant and restore forests. This not only supports landowners but also ensures forests continue to sequester carbon, filter water, and provide wildlife habitats, contributing to a $300 billion industry.
Rollins’ commitment to efficient disaster assistance suggests she will be a strong ally in advocating for the Act’s passage. Her experience working with state governments and her bipartisan track record, evidenced by her role in the First Step Act, position her to bridge divides in Congress to advance this legislation. AFF’s enthusiasm for her leadership reflects confidence that she will prioritize policies that empower family forest owners to recover and thrive.
Bipartisan Support and Industry Reactions
Rollins’ confirmation enjoyed rare bipartisan support, with 19 Democrats joining Republicans in the 72-28 Senate vote, and unanimous approval from the Senate Agriculture Committee. This broad backing reflects her reputation as a collaborative leader. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) praised her as “a leader who will be an advocate for the livelihoods of America’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters,” while House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) noted her “proven leadership” at a critical juncture for producers.
Agricultural and forestry groups echoed AFF’s support. The Texas Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) congratulated Rollins, emphasizing her role in addressing trade, disaster relief, and farm policy challenges. USMEF President Dan Halstrom highlighted her advocacy for free-market policies, crucial for expanding red meat exports. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) expressed enthusiasm for working with Rollins on a new Farm Bill and improving access to nutrient-dense foods.
However, some conservation groups, like the Center for Biological Diversity, raised concerns about Rollins’ industry-friendly bias, fearing it could undermine environmental laws. AFF’s endorsement counters this, focusing on her potential to balance economic and conservation goals, as evidenced by her support for rural development and disaster recovery.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Rollins assumes leadership at a pivotal moment for American agriculture and forestry. Key challenges include:
- Natural Disasters: With disasters like Hurricane Helene causing billions in losses, swift aid delivery is critical. Rollins has pledged to prioritize this, aligning with AFF’s advocacy for the Disaster Reforestation Act.
- Trade and Tariffs: Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China could disrupt agricultural exports, particularly for Texas, where these countries are major markets. Rollins has committed to cushioning farmers from retaliatory tariffs, drawing on her experience during Trump’s first-term trade wars.
- Labor Shortages: Trump’s mass deportation plans could exacerbate farm labor shortages, as over 40% of farm workers are undocumented. Rollins supports reforming the H-2A visa program to address this, a move that could benefit forestry operations as well.
- Farm Bill Delays: Congress is behind schedule on a new Farm Bill, critical for providing stability to landowners. Rollins’ bipartisan relationships will be key to advancing this legislation.
These challenges present opportunities for Rollins to leverage her policy expertise and rural roots to deliver results. Her focus on revitalizing rural America, as expressed during her hearing—“the opportunity to put forward a vision and build a program around revivifying, restoring, and bringing back rural America”—resonates with AFF’s mission to empower family forest owners.
A Parallel to Sustainable Elegance
The sustainable elegance of Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2026 Bridal Collection, with its floral motifs and eco-friendly practices, mirrors the balance of beauty and responsibility in Rollins’ approach to agriculture and forestry. Just as the collection uses sustainable materials to create timeless designs, Rollins’ leadership aims to foster resilient forests and rural economies through policies like the Disaster Reforestation Act. This synergy underscores the potential for thoughtful leadership to create lasting impact, whether in fashion or environmental policy.
AFF’s Role in Shaping the Future
AFF is poised to collaborate with Rollins to advance its flagship programs, such as the Family Forest Carbon Program, which recently earned a high ‘BBBe’ rating from BeZero for its sustainable forest management practices. By incentivizing carbon sequestration, the program supports landowners while addressing climate change, aligning with Rollins’ rural development goals. AFF’s Advocacy Action Center also empowers landowners to advocate for policies like the Disaster Reforestation Act, amplifying their voices in Washington.
The Broader Impact on Rural America
Rollins’ leadership will have far-reaching implications for rural communities, which rely on agriculture and forestry for economic stability. In states like Texas ($15 billion in beef production) and Georgia ($36 billion in forestry impact), her policies could preserve jobs and ecosystems. By supporting family forest owners, Rollins can ensure forests continue to provide clean water for 1.4 million people in Alabama, sequester 15% of U.S. carbon emissions, and support biodiversity.
Her commitment to regulatory reform and market expansion, praised by groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, could also reduce burdens on landowners, fostering innovation in forestry practices.
Conclusion: A Champion for Forests and Families
The American Forest Foundation’s applause for Brooke Rollins’ confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture reflects a shared vision for resilient rural communities and sustainable forests. With her agricultural roots, policy expertise, and bipartisan track record, Rollins is well-positioned to advance policies like the Disaster Reforestation Act, ensuring family forest owners can recover from disasters and continue stewarding America’s woodlands. As she navigates challenges like tariffs, labor shortages, and Farm Bill delays, her leadership promises to strengthen the $300 billion forestry industry and the ecosystems it supports.
In the spirit of Oscar de la Renta’s sustainable elegance, Rollins’ tenure offers an opportunity to weave economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, creating a legacy that endures for generations. AFF and its partners stand ready to work with her to unlock markets, champion rural families, and conserve America’s forests, proving that with the right leadership, even the most daunting challenges can yield transformative solutions.
