U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced new priorities for research and development at the USDA, aimed at strengthening national security, safeguarding U.S. agriculture, and supporting American farmers and consumers. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump Administration to address challenges facing the farm economy, including inflation, overregulation, and trade limitations, while removing DEI and environmental justice mandates from agricultural research and extension programs to refocus resources on practical challenges for farmers and ranchers.
Secretary Rollins emphasized the historical role of agricultural research in boosting productivity and innovation since the creation of the USDA and the land-grant university system by President Lincoln in 1862. The new priorities provide a strategic roadmap to keep U.S. agricultural producers competitive and productive, while ensuring a safe, abundant, and affordable food and fiber supply for consumers.
The first priority focuses on increasing the profitability of farmers and ranchers. Research and development will target strategies that reduce production costs, enhance mechanization and automation, and improve overall farm efficiency to stabilize earnings and reduce uncertainty for producers.
The second priority aims to expand markets and create new uses for U.S. agricultural products. R&D will support opening new export markets, overcoming sanitary and phytosanitary trade barriers, and developing novel biobased products and bioenergy solutions, including biofuels, to increase demand for American commodities.
Protecting the integrity of U.S. agriculture from invasive species constitutes the third priority. Research will focus on preventing, detecting, controlling, and eradicating threats such as New World Screwworm, Spotted Lanternfly, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and citrus greening, which jeopardize agricultural productivity and natural resources.
The fourth priority is promoting soil health to sustain long-term land productivity. R&D will emphasize practices that enhance soil conservation, water-use efficiency, and reduce input dependence, ensuring the continued viability of farms and ranches for future generations.
Finally, improving human health through precision nutrition and food quality is prioritized. Research will examine the impact of individualized dietary patterns on health outcomes, develop targeted nutritional recommendations, and enhance the nutritional content and quality of U.S. agricultural products, supporting both public health and increased demand for American foods.
