April 28, 2025 (press release) –
(Washington, D.C., April 28, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Ohio with Governor Mike DeWine to talk firsthand farmers and discuss how USDA is working to support family farms and stop the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
“USDA is putting Farmers First. Ohio farmers were hit hard by the spread of bird flu under the Biden Administration, and as Secretary, I have worked to implement a five point plan and roll out additional grants to give Ohio farmers the support they need. Thank you to Governor DeWine for inviting me to visit the Buckeye State and for continuing to lead with America First policies at the state level,” said Secretary Rollins.
“HPAI has been devastating for poultry farmers in western Ohio, so I appreciate that Secretary Rollins came here personally to speak with local farmers and hear what they've been going through,” said Governor DeWine. “The visit was very positive and productive.”
Secretary Rollins has worked diligently to support American poultry and egg producers, combat avian flu, and lower the cost of eggs for consumers. In February, she announced a five-point plan to combat the avian flu and lower egg prices which has been applauded by agriculture and government leaders across the country.
Under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA released 15 grant awards totaling nearly $8.9 million related to HPAI. Ohio received three of these grant awards, totaling $1.4 million to address the spread of diseases like HPAI. USDA has also awarded over $218 million to 20,672 farmers in Ohio through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year.
Secretary Rollins and Governor DeWine hosted a roundtable with Ohio farmers at Weaver Eggs to talk directly with farmers about the work USDA is doing to fight HPAI.
Secretary Rollins and Governor DeWine participated in a demonstration of some of the innovative technologies Ohio farmers are utilizing to feed, fuel, and clothe the world.
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