Jonah Patel
The United States Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The current secretary is Brooke Rollins, who has served since 13 February 2025. The secretary of agriculture is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities conducted by the USDA and other agencies of the executive branch of the US. They must also communicate and consult with the USDA Advisory Board and appropriate advisory committees to create basic policies, goals, and strategies for agricultural research. The secretary of agriculture earns a salary of US$221,400 and is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Position | Head of the United States Department of Agriculture |
| Salary | $221,400 as of January 2021 |
| Current Secretary | Brooke Rollins |
| Date Appointed | February 13, 2025 |
| Education | Degree in agricultural development, Juris Doctor |
| Previous Roles | Director of the Domestic Policy Council, Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, Director of the Office of American Innovation, Governor Rick Perry's policy director, Texas Public Policy Foundation |
| Responsibilities | Communication and coordination on multiple levels, consulting the USDA Advisory Board and appropriate committees, reporting to various committees, establishing review procedures for research projects, staying informed of developments in research, extension, teaching and manpower development, coordinating agricultural research, extension and teaching activity, developing an action plan to build public confidence in the use of safe biotechnology in agriculture and the food system, promoting trade in products of agricultural biotechnology, removing unjustified trade barriers, expanding markets for products of agricultural biotechnology |
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What You'll Learn
- The Secretary of Agriculture earns a salary of $221,400
- They are the head of the United States Department of Agriculture
- They are responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension and teaching activities
- They report to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Appropriations, and more
- They are required to work closely with the Health and Human Services Secretary
The Secretary of Agriculture earns a salary of $221,400
The Secretary of Agriculture is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $221,400 as of January 2021. The position has existed since 1889, when the Department of Agriculture was elevated to Cabinet status. The current secretary, Brooke Rollins, was sworn in on February 13, 2025, and is the 33rd person to hold the position.
The Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and reports directly to the President of the United States. They are responsible for leading the department in its work to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promote agricultural trade and production, ensure food safety, protect natural resources, foster rural communities, and work to end hunger in the United States and internationally. The USDA has a budget of around $213 billion, with approximately 71% going towards nutrition assistance programs.
The Secretary of Agriculture is also responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities conducted by the USDA and other agencies within the executive branch of the US government. They must communicate and consult with the USDA Advisory Board and other advisory committees to create basic policies, goals, strategies, and priorities for these research and education programs. The secretary must also report to various congressional committees, including the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
In addition, the Secretary of Agriculture plays a role in promoting trade in products of agricultural biotechnology and urging trading partners to adopt science- and risk-based regulatory approaches. They work with the United States Trade Representative and other officials to develop international strategies to expand markets for these products and remove unjustified trade barriers. They are also involved in developing and implementing regulatory frameworks for agricultural biotechnology products to safely enable their use and facilitate innovation.
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They are the head of the United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The position was created in 1889 when the Department was elevated to Cabinet status. The Secretary of Agriculture is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $221,400 as of January 2021. The current secretary is Brooke Rollins, who has served since 13 February 2025.
The USDA is an executive department of the US federal government. Its mission is to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promote agricultural trade and production, ensure food safety, protect natural resources, support rural communities, and work to end hunger in the US and internationally. The USDA's budget for 2025 was $213 billion, with approximately 71% going towards nutrition assistance programs.
The Secretary of Agriculture has a wide range of responsibilities. They are required to work closely with the Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) on nutrition research and report to various committees, including the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. They must also consult with the USDA Advisory Board and other advisory committees to create basic policies, goals, strategies, and priorities for agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs.
The Secretary is in charge of coordinating agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities conducted by the USDA and other agencies within the executive branch of the US government. They must also communicate and coordinate on multiple levels, both internally and externally, with state and local government agencies, colleges, and universities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA played a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program provided relief to farmers and ranchers and helped distribute surplus food to those in need.
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They are responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension and teaching activities
The Secretary of Agriculture is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $221,400 as of January 2021. The current secretary is Brooke Rollins, who has served in this role since February 13, 2025.
The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities. This involves staying informed about developments and the country's needs in food and agricultural sciences. They must also team up with state and local government agencies, land-grant colleges, and universities to facilitate their duties.
The Secretary must consult with the USDA Advisory Board and appropriate advisory committees to create basic policies, goals, strategies, and priorities for agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs. They are also responsible for reporting to various committees in the House and Senate, including the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
One of the key roles of the Secretary is to ensure effective coordination and communication between different agencies and organizations. For example, the Secretary works closely with the Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) on nutrition research and administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
In addition, the Secretary plays a crucial role in promoting trade in products of agricultural biotechnology. They work with trading partners to adopt science- and risk-based regulatory approaches, urging them to remove unjustified trade barriers and expand markets for these products.
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Explore related products
They report to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Appropriations, and more
The US Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The position is a Level I role in the Executive Schedule, attracting a salary of $221,400 as of 2021. The current secretary is Brooke Rollins, who has served since 13 February 2025.
The Secretary of Agriculture reports to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations. They are also required to work closely with the Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) on matters such as nutrition research.
The Secretary is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities conducted by the USDA and other agencies of the executive branch of the US. They must also communicate and consult with the USDA Advisory Board and appropriate advisory committees within the department to create basic policies, goals, strategies, and priorities for agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs.
The Secretary of Agriculture must also establish appropriate review procedures to ensure that research projects are "timely and properly" reported and published. They are responsible for ensuring that there is no unnecessary duplication of effort or overlap between research units and must maintain an inventory of ongoing and completed research projects.
The USDA's mission is to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promote agricultural trade and production, ensure food safety, protect natural resources, foster rural communities, and work to end hunger in the US and internationally.
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They are required to work closely with the Health and Human Services Secretary
The Secretary of Agriculture is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $221,400 as of January 2021. The Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is responsible for leading the development of policies and strategies related to food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and nutrition. They are required to work closely with the Health and Human Services Secretary, as their roles have overlapping responsibilities. Here are some key areas where the Secretary of Agriculture collaborates with the Health and Human Services Secretary:
- Nutrition Research and Programs: The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have a shared interest in promoting healthy eating and addressing nutrition-related issues. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a joint effort between the two departments to provide food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers SNAP, ensuring that eligible individuals have access to nutritious food. This collaboration requires regular communication and coordination between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Health and Human Services Secretary.
- Food Safety: Both the USDA and HHS play crucial roles in ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service works closely with HHS's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish food safety standards, conduct inspections, and respond to foodborne illness outbreaks. The two departments also collaborate on initiatives to educate consumers about safe food handling practices, helping to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Public Health: The USDA and HHS often intersect on matters of public health, especially in rural communities. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA partnered with HHS to address food security issues, providing relief to farmers and ranchers while also ensuring access to food for those in need. Additionally, the USDA has worked with HHS on initiatives to improve healthcare access and address environmental justice in rural areas, recognizing the unique challenges faced by these communities.
- Research and Development: The USDA and HHS often collaborate on research initiatives, particularly those related to nutrition, food safety, and agricultural biotechnology. The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the HHS's National Institutes of Health (NIH) may work together to fund and conduct research that benefits both agriculture and public health. This collaboration ensures that scientific advancements in one field can be effectively applied to the other, benefiting the American people.
- Policy Coordination: The Secretary of Agriculture and the Health and Human Services Secretary must work together to align policies and strategies that impact both agriculture and public health. This includes coordinating regulatory approaches to ensure that agricultural products, including biotechnology, are safe for human consumption. By working together, they can promote consistency and effectiveness in policy implementation, avoiding confusion or overlap between their respective departments.
In summary, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Health and Human Services Secretary have complementary roles, particularly in areas related to food, nutrition, and public health. Their collaboration is essential to ensuring that policies and programs are well-coordinated and effectively meet the needs of the American people. This requires regular communication, joint decision-making, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
As of January 2021, the US Secretary of Agriculture earns an annual salary of $221,400.
The Secretary of Agriculture reports to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations. They also report directly to the President of the United States.
The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for coordinating agricultural research, extension, and teaching activities. They also establish review procedures for research projects and ensure effective communication and coordination across various levels of government.
The Secretary of Agriculture plays a key role in facilitating international engagement and trade. They work with the Secretary of State and other officials to develop strategies that promote the acceptance and export of US agricultural products abroad.
While there are no specific qualification requirements, having expertise in agriculture, economics, law, or policy development would be advantageous. For example, Secretary Brooke Rollins has a degree in agricultural development and a Juris Doctor.
