Wedoany.com Report-Feb 27, In a recent announcement, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled a $10 billion biosecurity initiative aimed at reducing the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on domestic egg prices. Rollins emphasized the importance of this plan, stating that USDA is "making great progress" in executing the $30 billion economic and disaster relief package passed by Congress in December. She specifically mentioned that the $10 billion in economic relief is expected to be finalized and submitted to Congress before the March 21 deadline.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins laid out a USDA new policy to deal with avian influenza during a speech Wednesday to the National Association of State Directors of Agriculture (NASDA). USDA will spend $1 billion on biosecurity and indemnities for poultry growers.

Rollins did not explicitly address potential job losses or funding freezes related to the Biden administration’s conservation and renewable energy grants, but she reiterated USDA’s commitment to streamlining operations. She mentioned that the agency will cancel media contracts and eliminate grants tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Rollins expressed pride in working with the Department of Government Efficiency to streamline inefficiencies across the USDA, but she also acknowledged that this process may lead to some mistakes along the way, which will be addressed and corrected.

In response to the avian influenza threat, Rollins outlined a plan that includes additional funding for biosecurity measures and indemnity programs for poultry producers. However, USDA will also increase imports of eggs and reduce egg exports as part of its strategy to mitigate the impact of the flu. Rollins noted that USDA is currently focusing on curbing bird flu and reducing egg prices, but she emphasized that there is no “silver bullet” to eliminate the threat.

The USDA recently released a Consumer Price Index report, which revealed that average egg prices are 53% higher than they were a year ago. Egg prices for 2025 are expected to remain roughly 41% higher compared to 2024. Rollins noted that her plan on avian influenza will be presented at the first full Cabinet meeting of the Trump administration on Wednesday.

This initiative underscores the USDA’s proactive approach to addressing both the economic and public health challenges posed by avian influenza, while also reflecting the agency’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency.