U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently visited Texas with a focus on food security and health initiatives. Their visit included discussions on how farmers contribute to the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative and an update on the New World Screwworm.
During their time in Texas, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy explored advanced laboratories at the Texas A&M Norman E. Borlaug Building and were briefed on the Grand Nutrition Challenge at the Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture. They also toured Sawyer Farms, which employs stewardship practices for healthy crop production.
“Making America Healthy Again starts with supporting America’s farmers and ranchers. In Texas, I was joined by Secretary Kennedy to do just that. At USDA, I am negotiating with Mexico to stop the spread of invasive species like the New World Screwworm, and Secretary Kennedy and I are working together to ensure that our kids and families are consuming the healthiest food produced in the U.S.A.,” stated Secretary Rollins.
Secretary Kennedy added, “It was an honor to join Secretary Rollins in her home state of Texas. Together, HHS and USDA are taking on the chronic disease epidemic by fixing our broken food system and giving families the tools they need to eat well, stay healthy, and Make America Healthy Again.”
Secretary Rollins has been engaging with Mexico to address aircraft operation issues critical to the efforts against the New World Screwworm. She announced a $280 million grant agreement to aid Rio Grande Valley farmers affected by water delivery issues related to the 1944 Water Treaty. Furthermore, a commitment was secured from Mexico to meet current water requirements for Texas farmers.
Under President Trump's direction, USDA and HHS are innovating to promote healthy living. The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, led by Secretary Kennedy, aims to address diet-related diseases and reform dietary policies. They have committed to releasing new Dietary Guidelines for Americans by December 31, 2025. Secretary Rollins is also advocating for changes to nutrition education and the SNAP program to support healthier food options.
In Texas, USDA announced the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program to assist in managing rising input costs and bolster domestic markets. This complements the over $521 million awarded through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) to Texas farmers for the 2024 crop year.
Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy's visit underscores the federal commitment to improving health and agriculture through collaborative efforts.
