WASHINGTON - National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles issued the following statement in a recent press release congratulating Brooke Rollins, who was confirmed by the full Senate to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

“We welcome Brooke Rollins’ confirmation and look forward to working with her to address the critical challenges confronting American farmers and rural communities. Her leadership at the USDA is essential as the U.S. potato industry and our specialty crop allies work to pass a new Farm Bill, secure essential funding for research and market development projects, open new foreign markets, and support the growers and workers who are delivering nutrition to dinner tables around the world.”

In January, NPC joined more than 400 agriculture groups and businesses on a letter of support for Rollins, stating that her “close working relationship with incoming President Trump will ensure that agriculture and rural America have a prominent and influential voice at the table when critical decisions are made in the White House.”

The International Fresh Produce Association also shared the following statement:

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. IFPA has a long history of collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to drive the growth and prosperity of the fresh produce industry while improving the health and well-being of all Americans.

"We look forward to working closely with Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership to champion initiatives that empower fresh produce businesses to thrive," IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said. "By working together, IFPA and USDA can support U.S. growers and promote better public health. Under Secretary Rollins' leadership, USDA can ensure a strong, competitive, and sustainable fresh produce supply chain for both growers and consumers."

As the largest and most diverse association representing the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain, IFPA is dedicated to advocating for policies that reduce regulatory burdens, enhance nutrition programs, and improve the economic viability of fresh produce businesses. IFPA looks forward to continued engagement with Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership to advance these priorities and build a vibrant future for the fresh produce industry.

In addition, the California Fresh Fruit Association also commented:

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) applauds today’s confirmation of Brooke Rollins as  United States Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is the 33^rd person to have been confirmed to this position and  will oversee all aspects of the nation’s food system, including farming practices, federal support programs,  along with nutrition and trade programs.  

Association President Daniel Hartwig stated, “On behalf of the California Fresh Fruit Association, we  congratulate Secretary Rollins and are excited to work with her and the team at USDA to help continue the  viability of California’s fresh fruit industry to ensure the nation and world have a safe, nutritious, and reliable  food supply.”  

CFFA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to address the needs of California’s specialty crop industry.