Ag Secretary visits FFA students in Indy, talks SNAP funding

Standing on stage at the National FFA Convention and Expo U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins shrugged into her more than 30-year old navy blue jacket from her time with the organization.

“I was wearing this jacket the last time I was here,” said Rollins. “And that was a long time ago, but it seems like just yesterday.”

Rollins spoke to thousands of students from across the country last Thursday about the role her agriculture teacher played in her life and the importance the FFA brings to shaping future generations in agriculture.

“We cannot continue to be a global leader and leader in agriculture without all of you sitting in this room” Rollins said.

She then talked about the importance of Christianity and remembered Charlie Kirk.

“Everyday Americans are once again, speaking up for what they know is right,” Rollins said.

After addressing the students, Rollins spoke with the press about several related issues including the recently announced trade deal with China to start buying soybeans and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding.

SNAP benefits are at risk for recipients in Indiana as the federal government shutdown continues. As of September, SNAP provides more than 571,594 Hoosiers the ability to afford groceries each month.

Last Friday a federal judge in Massachusetts ordered the Trump administration to report by Monday how it would fund the federal food assistance program.

Today the administration announced it would partially pay this month’s funds using money from the reserve — 50% of current allotment of funds for households. That will cover about $5 billion worth of benefits for this month.

Rollins said the program would need about $9 billion to cover costs.

At the time of her remarks Rollins blamed Democrats’ refusal to approve stop-gap funding.

“Even if we could, we’re going to be back at this same conversation in two weeks when it runs out again,” she said.

The Trump administration resolved the issue during the last lengthy shutdown in 2018-19.  At that time the USDA also used contingency funds to cover costs but without court intervention.

Rollins’ visit to Indianapolis also comes as the city is to be one of the sites of the newly designated USDA hubs. Five cities were selected: Indianapolis, Kansas City, Raleigh, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City. The move is a part of the Trump administration's effort to get workers out of Washington D.C. and closer to farmers.

Rollins said the Hoosier state is well positioned.

“Indianapolis and Indiana, which most of you probably know, the research capability here, you’re so close to all these amazing institutions you have, significant ag industry,” Rollins said. “Here you’re in the middle of the country.”

She said more information about the new hub is planned to be announced in about a month.

Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05.