U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Ohio with Governor Mike DeWine to discuss measures taken by the USDA to address the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and to support family farmers. The visit focused on interactions with local farmers to provide insights on the impact of avian flu and USDA’s support initiatives.
Secretary Rollins stated, “USDA is putting Farmers First. Ohio farmers were hit hard by the spread of bird flu under the Biden Administration, and as Secretary, I have worked to implement a five point plan and roll out additional grants to give Ohio farmers the support they need. Thank you to Governor DeWine for inviting me to visit the Buckeye State and for continuing to lead with America First policies at the state level.”
Governor DeWine echoed the significance of the visit: “HPAI has been devastating for poultry farmers in western Ohio, so I appreciate that Secretary Rollins came here personally to speak with local farmers and hear what they've been going through. The visit was very positive and productive.”
To support American poultry and egg producers, Secretary Rollins has introduced a five-point plan to combat avian flu and lower egg prices. The plan, announced in February, has garnered positive responses from agriculture and government leaders nationwide.
The USDA has awarded 15 grant awards related to HPAI under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, totaling nearly $8.9 million. Ohio received three grants totaling $1.4 million to tackle the spread of diseases like HPAI. Additionally, over $218 million has been awarded to 20,672 farmers in Ohio through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year.
During the visit, Secretary Rollins and Governor DeWine conducted a roundtable with Ohio farmers at Weaver Eggs. This provided an opportunity for farmers to discuss the USDA’s initiatives to combat HPAI.
