SENATE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, & FORESTRY COMMITTEE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR USDA NOMINEES
For questions on the note below, please contact the Delta Strategy Group team.
On May 21, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a confirmation hearing to examine the following nominations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- Dudley Hoskins, Nominee for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP)
- Scott Hutchins, Nominee for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics (REE)
Below is a summary of the hearing prepared by Delta Strategy Group. It includes several high-level takeaways, followed by summaries of opening statements and discussion.
Key Takeaways
The following is a summary of the main topics explored in the hearing, with further details in the Discussion section below.
- Chairman Boozman (R-AR) outlined the need for updated risk management tools to address high input costs, elevated interest rates, an uncertain trade environment, and an ineffective farm safety net. He underscored the critical functions of the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) within MRP, as well as described REE as the primary link to agricultural institutions.
- Hoskins emphasized an “all-hands-on-deck approach”, guided by and in support of USDA Secretary Rollins’ decisive action to address current and future risks to domestic agricultural production systems and outcomes. He highlighted the need to facilitate, not frustrate, innovation and the integration of technology as he committed to data-driven decision-making.
- Hoskins stated that ensuring fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices is essential to expanding price transparency and market access. He explained APHIS’ essential role in prosecuting market access at a technical level to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices. He agreed with Senator Hoeven (R-ND) on the need to be firm in addressing non-trade barriers that restrict U.S. market access.
- Hutchins discussed how agricultural innovation, supported by science-based recommendations, is the best path to ensuring food security. He committed to utilizing the funding provided by Congress to ensure the best return on investment for producers and consumers. He outlined plans to conduct objective assessments of all Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities and highlighted the potential of rapidly evolving digital and genetic technologies, including AI, to support the resiliency of agricultural systems.
- Democrats, led by Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN), raised concerns about the proposed $600 million cut to agricultural research, criticizing it as the largest potential cut in U.S. history. Senator Slotkin (D-NY) emphasized food security as national security and questioned Hutchins about what other countries are investing heavily in agricultural research, with Hutchins in agreement that it is China.
- Senator Smith (D-MN) urged Hutchins to gain direct input from stakeholders about the implications for producers of funding reductions on research facilities that provide innovative opportunities and preventative solutions.
SUMMARY
Opening Statements and Testimony
Chairman John Boozman (R-AR)
Producers continue to face challenges from high input costs, elevated interest rates, an uncertain trade environment, to an ineffective farm safety net, exemplifying the desperate need for updated, responsive risk management tools. Secretary Rollins has led by example as a champion for agriculture. MRP’s mission area touches every stakeholder in the agriculture value chain. APHIS and AMS do critical, often unnoticed work and play a vital role in keeping the food system functioning. U.S. agriculture is currently facing threats from numerous pests and diseases, which is why Hoskins must be confirmed as soon as possible. REE’s mission area manages four key agencies, advances scientific knowledge related to agriculture, collects and disseminates critical data, and is the primary link between the federal government and premier U.S. agricultural institutions. Land-grant universities serve to develop the next generation of our agriculture workforce, as well as conduct world-class research. This mission area works to ensure that the timely research outcomes and discoveries developed at land-grant institutions and by ARS, make it to the farm. The cooperative extension service, a hallmark of U.S. agriculture, is the bridge between innovation and the producer.
Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
The most pressing challenge facing MRP’s mission area is protecting industry and consumers from pest and disease issues. APHIS is on the front lines of this fight to protect domestic producers from threats. USDA’s marketing and regulatory programs provide valuable support to our farmers through AMS, from commodity procurement to federal grain inspections. AMS works to expand market opportunities at home and abroad, taking steps to improve price transparency and stop bad actors through several interagency efforts. In the face of continued consolidation across the industry, efforts to ensure fair rules of the road are more important than ever. I am a strong supporter of ag research because it makes economic sense. According to USDA estimates, every dollar invested in research yields $20 in economic returns. I was disappointed to see President Trump’s proposed over $600 million in cuts to USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in the FY 2026 budget. We must ensure these proposed cuts are rejected and that we continue to keep our research going strong, especially with the potential of responsibly using AI to improve outcomes and advance precision agriculture. USDA research agencies are critically important to advancing scientific research, supporting land-grant universities, and educating students to lead in the field and in the boardroom. Agencies within the MRP and REE mission areas are popular because of the high quality of work conducted by dedicated public servants.
Dudley Hoskins, Nominee for USDA MRP Under Secretary
APHIS and AMS are the two most critical, complex, and impactful agencies informing the health and viability of U.S. agriculture. Career officials and subject matter experts are working 24/7 to protect producers, ensure price transparency, uphold confidence in grading standards, review and regulate certain agricultural biotechnologies, while ensuring the integrity of research and information boards and countless marketing orders. I commit to following Secretary Rollins’ leadership and working every day to support the APHIS and AMS missions that help U.S. production of the safest, most affordable, and most abundant supply. With an understanding of the challenges and opportunities impacting producers, I am dedicated to delivering a transparent, predictable, and science-based regulatory structure to protect the health and viability of U.S. agriculture, mitigate the impact of animal and plant pests and diseases, and facilitate the timely delivery of critical marketing programs consistent with the spirit and intent of the law.
Scott Hutchins, Nominee for USDA REE Under Secretary
I have worked to create and advance public-private partnerships, with nearly 32 years in the private sector and previous service as Deputy REE Under Secretary under Secretary Perdue. REE’s mission is not only research, but research made relevant through education and extension. Agricultural innovation is the best path to ensuring food security. Congress also designated this role to serve as Chief Agricultural Scientist. I will fulfill these responsibilities, delivering decisive, science-based recommendations to the Secretary, the President, and Congress on the scientific issues and opportunities facing U.S. agriculture. I commit to actively leading strategic initiatives and national priorities in line with the goals and objectives of the Secretary and Congress, with renewed focus on impactful discovery for agricultural outcomes.
DISCUSSION
Chairman Boozman (R-AR): How will you address the current risks facing agriculture, and ensure that USDA is ready to meet new challenges? Hoskins: I would work to ensure USDA remains ready to meet new challenges. I will work to support efforts between APHIS, states, and industry stakeholders to ensure an all-hands-on-deck approach. I would ensure APHIS fulfills its Congressional mandate to protect U.S. agriculture and implement Secretary Rollins’ direction, where she has stated publicly that APHIS will have the adequate staff and resources needed to meet its mandate.
Chairman Boozman (R-AR): How do you view the role of APHIS in defending U.S. producers against unfair scientific trade barriers and ensuring they can compete on a level playing field? Hoskins: The APHIS family plays an essential role in addressing sanitary and phytosanitary non-tariff trade irritants. They are instrumental in prosecuting the science behind these barriers and working with global counterparts to help them understand where risk exists and where it does not. I would do everything in my power to give APHIS subject matter experts the support and permission they need to fully address these non-tariff trade issues on a scientific basis and back their outcomes.
Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN): What role do you see for REE in responding to current crises? Hutchins: REE has phenomenal capability and capacity to address these types of scenarios. The science and capabilities are unmatched globally, as is the partnership these agencies have with those in MRP. To advance that, we can continually pursue the most promising scientific developments, utilize new tools and technologies like AI to identify ways not just to mitigate but to prevent these scenarios. This also relates to invasive species and organisms, where we have the capability to work hand-in-hand to develop the best methods to eliminate them.
Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN): How will you advocate for agricultural research? Hutchins: I have always been an advocate for research, with outcomes leading to the results, the solutions, the opportunities. It is Congress’s prerogative to provide funding, but I commit to making the absolute best use of funding provided to benefit farmers, ranchers, and consumers.
Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN): How will you address the 1,600-career employee loss, including 1,200 from ARS, and ensure it does not affect the mission area, especially with a shortage of ag scientists? How will you ensure that APHIS continues to protect U.S. producers, and that its mandate is not undermined by staff losses or funding cuts? Hutchins: We need to look at the resources that are provided and assess the status of the situation in each of the agencies to ensure we are focused on the most important outcomes, projects, and programs that benefit producers and consumers. Then, we must target the resources we do have toward that mission and ensure key vacant positions are filled to allow us to succeed; Hoskins: While I cannot speak in detail today to the current staffing assessment, not having been at the Department or received those briefings, I can point to the Secretary’s public statements affirming that APHIS will have the adequate workforce necessary to carry out its mission, with priority one being the protection of the health and viability of U.S. agriculture.
Ranking Member Klobuchar (D-MN): How will you ensure that USDA fulfills its mandate through the AMS to promote fair and transparent markets and continues progress on competition efforts like those led by the chief competition officer? Hoskins: I commit to ensuring that the AMS Fair Trade Practices Program, with a full suite of disclosure and transparency authorities from Congress, is implemented in full compliance with the spirit and intent of the law. It would be inappropriate to speculate on potential or future rulemakings the Department may or may not consider. I can only commit to carrying out the mandates Congress has given us.
Senator Hyde-Smith (R-MS): How will you build on the Trump administration’s work to ensure USDA uses its response resources to act quickly and effectively against threats, and how can Congress support your efforts? Hoskins: APHIS’ toolbox is critical to its work with state partners. I would help expedite Secretary Rollins’ efforts and implementation, gaining a clear-eyed assessment of what is working well and what is not. If there are challenges with biosecurity, how can the agency best deploy its resources to help producers meet that mandate? Secretary Rollins has already taken decisive action, and I would do everything I could to support that work, both with APHIS and with states and industry stakeholders, to ensure an all-hands-on-deck approach.
Senator Hyde-Smith (R-MS): How will you work to strengthen partnerships with land-grant universities and pave the way for new scientific advancements through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and ARS? Hoskins: Land-grant institutions are on the frontlines of many of the issues facing producers, with the talent and the ability to educate and deliver solutions. Many, such as Mississippi State, in partnership with the university, developed techniques that helped eradicate threats. Land-grant institutions are at the tip of the spear in addressing these challenges and we will do everything we can to support them.
Senator Smith (D-MN): Can you commit that crucial research facilities will remain open and not face further staff reductions, as seen in other parts of USDA? Hutchins: We will need to step back and look at each of these facilities. ARS currently has over ninety facilities, with some that continue to deliver significant value, while others may have shifted areas of focus. I can commit that I will personally conduct an objective assessment of all these facilities and understand the value proposition they provide to producers. I will advocate for maintaining the capability to deliver solutions, drive innovation, and advance leading-edge approaches across all aspects of agricultural production.
Senator Smith (D-MN): How would you orient USDA research to ensure producers’ opportunities for long-term adaptation needed to respond to extreme weather and shifting pests as the climate changes? Hutchins: There are technologies rapidly evolving in both the digital and genetic worlds that can meet these challenges if we can develop the necessary tools and put them into practice, supporting the resiliency of agricultural systems. There are no challenges we cannot effectively address if we are able to utilize the science and technology already in front of us.
Senator Marshall (R-KS): What will your role be in interacting with EPA, HHS, and other departments to ensure continued progress in agriculture’s efforts to grow more with less and reduce pesticides and fertilizers reaching our waters? Hoskins: Whether it is a fertilizer, an input, a crop protection tool, or a biotech innovation, they are critical for producers to supply the most abundant, affordable, and safe food. We must facilitate, not frustrate, innovation and technology. I commit to standing behind science and data-driven decision-making. I will ensure that agency actions, whether registrations, reviews, or approvals, are consistent with the soundest science available and with the mandate Congress has given the agencies to operate under.
Senator Marshall (R-KS): Why has the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility not opened, despite completed construction? What is your level of commitment to getting it fully operational? Hutchins: I have not had information or access to details on that since 2021. I will look into that to understand the details and then problem-solve from there. It is the safest place in the world to conduct this type of research, and that remains my working premise.
Senator Hoeven (R-ND): How can we accomplish more price transparency and competition, while expanding marketing abilities and overseas access? Hoskins: We must work to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices. APHIS plays an absolutely essential role in prosecuting market access at a technical level. If subject matter experts are driving the technical conversations, effectively acting as umpires, and political leadership stands behind the science, then we are set up for success. If we step back from that mandate, there will be challenges. We need to be firm in addressing non-trade barriers that prevent U.S. market access, in addition to protecting our markets.
Senator Moran (R-KS): Do you support funding for research institutions to address maintenance backlogs and invest in overlooked infrastructure at research facilities? Hutchins: Our land-grant system has been well established for a long time, with some of the buildings needing to be refreshed and refurbished. Whatever funding is provided by Congress, we will make the best use of it to ensure the facilities are improved; Hoskins: I agree.
Senator Slotkin (D-NY): With the proposed $600 million cut to agricultural research, the largest potential cut in U.S. history, do you believe that this critical research is “woke” or “wasteful”? Hutchins: We will utilize whatever money Congress provides to ensure the best return on investment and to support as many farmers as we can.
Senator Slotkin (D-NY): Which country besides the U.S. is currently investing most heavily in significant agricultural research? Hutchins: China.
Senator Fischer (R-NE): Will you commit to supporting high-impact agricultural research facilities and their work, like the one focused on precision agriculture in Nebraska? Hutchins: While I do not have specifics on laboratories, I commit to learning more and, as we evaluate all opportunities, work with you to ensure it provides the best value to U.S. producers.
Senator Fischer (R-NE): How can USDA be more efficient with taxpayer dollars when identifying, maintaining, and improving valuable research facilities? Hutchins: In every organization, public or private, there are always opportunities to improve efficiency by focusing on goals and outcomes.