United States Secretary of Agriculture
The United States Secretary of Agriculture serves as the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This high-ranking official is a member of the United States Cabinet and reports directly to the President of the United States. The role is comparable to agriculture ministers in other national governments, overseeing the vast infrastructure that supports American farming, forestry, and food security.
The Secretary operates from the Jamie L. Whitten Building in Washington, D.C., and is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Unlike many other government roles, the position has no fixed term length.
Key Facts
- Current Incumbent: Brooke Rollins (since February 13, 2025).
- Department Formation: February 15, 1889 (as a Cabinet-level position).
- Salary: US$ 253,100 (as of January 2026, Executive Schedule, level I).
- Governing Instrument: 7 U.S.C. § 2202.
- Primary Responsibilities: Managing national forests, ensuring food safety, and administering nutrition assistance.
Responsibilities and Departmental Oversight
The Secretary of Agriculture manages a diverse array of organizations and programs designed to protect the nation's food supply and natural resources. Key areas of oversight include:
- United States Forest Service: Responsible for managing 297,000 miles (770,000 km) of national forests and grasslands.
- Food Safety and Inspection Service: Ensures the safety of food produced and sold within the United States.
- Food Stamp Program: Collaborates with individual states to provide essential food assistance to low-income populations.
Historical Evolution of the Office
The leadership of the USDA has evolved significantly since the department's inception. When first established in 1862, the executive was not a Cabinet member but was instead titled the Commissioner of Agriculture. The first person to hold this role was Isaac Newton, who served from 1862 to 1867.
On February 15, 1889, the department was elevated to Cabinet status, and the position of Secretary of Agriculture was officially created. Norman Jay Coleman, who had been the final Commissioner, became the first holder of the Secretary title.
Summary of Leadership and Administration
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Formal Style | The Honorable |
| Informal Style | Ms. Secretary |
| Appointing Authority | President of the United States |
| First Secretary | Norman Jay Coleman |
| Official Website | usda.gov |
Line of Succession
To ensure continuity of leadership, a strict line of succession is established. If the Secretary is unable to serve, authority passes through the following order:
- Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
- Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Administration
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
- General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture
- Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary
The succession further extends to State Executive Directors of the Farm Service Agency (starting with California, Iowa, and Kansas) and Regional Administrators of the Food and Nutrition Service, followed by the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretaries for Civil Rights and Congressional Relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current United States Secretary of Agriculture?
As of February 13, 2025, the Secretary of Agriculture is Brooke Rollins.
How is the Secretary of Agriculture appointed?
The Secretary is appointed by the President of the United States, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
What is the difference between the Commissioner and the Secretary of Agriculture?
The Commissioner of Agriculture was the executive head from 1862 until 1889, at which time the position was elevated to a Cabinet-level role and renamed the Secretary of Agriculture.
What is the salary for the Secretary of Agriculture?
The position is classified as Level I of the Executive Schedule, with a salary of US$ 253,100 as of January 2026.
Which agencies fall under the Secretary's jurisdiction?
The Secretary oversees several organizations, including the United States Forest Service and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and manages the Food Stamp Program.