Farmer-First Focus: USDA Gathers Women Leaders to Advance Fresh, Nutrient-Rich Agriculture
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Washington / March 20 / BPALiveWire - On March 17, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted Celebrating America’s Women in Agriculture to highlight its steadfast commitment to putting farmers first and advancing practical, farmer-centered priorities that strengthen American agriculture and public health.
Under Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA has focused on empowering producers by enhancing profitability, market expansion, efficient programs and direct support for family farms. This event, hosted by Dr. Alveda King, Senior Advisor on Faith and Community Outreach at the USDA Center for Faith, with support from Bass Public Affairs, convened women leaders, including farmers committed to growing and supplying fresh, natural foods to both rural and urban communities, to discuss these goals and explore partnerships.
Attendees included farmer Belinda Thomas from Joyful Farms in Alabama, which emphasizes sustainable practices and community education in agriculture. Dr. Venessa M. Battle, founder of Keturah Farms, also participated, bringing her expertise in producing nutrient-rich, farm-fresh foods.
A key emphasis was USDA's collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the Eat Real Food initiative, tied to the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This reset promotes whole, nutrient-dense foods, high-quality proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while encouraging avoidance of highly processed options. The partnership aligns agriculture with health policy to combat chronic disease, improve access to real food, and support farmers who grow it.
“The event focused on connecting the women shaping agriculture policy with the women experiencing it on the ground,” said Dee Dee Bass Wilbon from Bass Public Affairs. “It was productive for agri producers and builders to hear from leaders throughout USDA about agency priorities and resources.”
By gathering these dedicated women farmers and leaders, USDA facilitated direct engagement on Secretarial priorities, bolstering rural economies, enhancing food security through real, homegrown products, and building resilient communities. The event underscored opportunities for ongoing collaboration to ensure American farmers thrive in delivering wholesome food that nourishes families nationwide.
This farmer-first approach reinforces USDA's mission to sustain agriculture, promote prosperity, and partner across agencies to make healthy, real food more accessible and central to national well-being.
