During the visit, Secretary Rollins signed a landmark waiver with Governor Pillen to revise the definition of food eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), excluding soda, “soft drinks,” and energy drinks.
“Nebraska is helping to lead the nation in agriculture! Great to meet with the farmers, ranchers, and producers from the Cornhusker State who are working to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are returning USDA to a Farmers First department, and that starts with giving farmers a seat at the table,” said Secretary Rollins.
“Our family-owned farms and ranches are at the heart of agriculture in America and are the backbone of the economy in states like Nebraska. Generations of producers have passed down the love of farming, strongly rooted values, and common-sense stewardship of our land and water to the next generation," said Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska.
"I’m glad that Secretary Rollins and the USDA are highlighting the value and importance of family owned and small operations as part of our efforts to put Farmers First. I look forward to this tremendous initiative, and I am thrilled that she chose to launch it from a family farm right here in Nebraska.”
Representative Adrian Smith said, “USDA’s new Farmers First strategy will expand markets, deliver regulatory relief, promote long-term certainty, and ensure the accessibility of USDA resources for American farming families working tirelessly to feed and fuel the world.”
The USDA has distributed over $504 million to 33,000 Nebraska farmers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year.
Additionally, $26.5 million in grants through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) is supporting local food systems and value-added agriculture.
Secretary Rollins also announced regulatory changes to improve efficiency in pork and poultry processing, including waivers for higher line speeds at facilities like Wholestone Farms.