Agriculture Department officials reviewing the agency’s $3.1 billion in grants for climate-smart farming may soon face a curious choice: whether to snub their own boss’s alma mater.
Texas A&M University, where Agriculture secretary nominee Brooke Rollins graduated with an agriculture degree, is a major participant in USDA’s climate-smart commodities program, working with a nearly $65 million grant to produce and market farm goods in ways that cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Rollins, on what appears to be a smooth path to Senate confirmation, touts her credentials as an Texas A&M “Aggie” — an official term owing to the school’s agricultural roots — and has said she’ll make the interests of farmers a top priority if confirmed. She grew up in agriculture, active in 4-H and the FFA, which used to be called Future Farmers of America.
Rollins also noted at her confirmation hearing that President Donald Trump’s opposition to federal funding of climate change policies is clear, suggesting a balancing act is to come as USDA determines how to frame its work on climate-smart farming. A Trump transition representative declined to comment, referring a reporter to Rollins’ testimony.
