EPA creates new ag and rural affairs office

As part of an effort to “solidify EPA’s relationship in the agriculture sector for the future,” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced the creation of an Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Friday. 

The announcement was made during Regan’s address at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston, the first time in the history of the trade show that both the EPA administrator and the U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary were present for the general session. 

It is the first agricultural office established by the EPA, and the office will be led by Regan’s senior advisor for agriculture, Rod Snyder. Snyder has served in an advisory role since 2021, and will continue to hold that position while adding to his duties. 

“Farmers and ranchers are crucial partners as we work together to deliver clean air, clear water, and climate solutions, all while playing the critical role of ensuring an abundant fiber, fuel, and food supply,” Regan said in a press release. “With the launch of this new office, we are ensuring agricultural and rural stakeholders will continue to have a seat at the table for many years to come.”

During his remarks at Commodity Classic, Regan expanded upon the reasoning for creating the office.

“It’s just important that [Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack] and I model the type of behavior that we want to see from now until the end,” Regan said. “This will help EPA better work across all our media offices, but more importantly, it creates one-stop shopping for Tom and USDA or those you represent to have that central focal point to ensure we are hearing what USDA is saying, how we resolve the differences between our agencies, what you all are communicating, and how we communicate back to you.”

Reaction to EPA announcement

Harold Wolle, President, National Corn Growers Association

“We are exceptionally pleased that there will be a program at EPA that is tasked with ensuring the voices and concerns of farmers are heard loud and clear,” Wolle said. “The administrator could not have found a better person to lead this office than Rod Snyder. Anyone who has worked with Rod will tell you he is a smart, stellar professional who thoroughly understands the agricultural community.”

“We look forward to working with Rod and his colleagues in the coming days to ensure that the regulations that EPA puts in place will not hinder the work of farmers,” Wolle said. “Crop protection is essential to farming and has had a positive environmental impact by preventing over-tilling and reducing the need for chemicals during the planting process, among many other things.”

David Scott, House Ag Committee Ranking Member

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration’s decision to elevate the agriculture advisor position into the first-ever Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This decision is further evidence that the administration and EPA are serious about working with our farmers and ranchers to ensure the health, sustainability, and environmental soundness of America’s food supply. 

“EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan has had an open line of communication with our farmers, and he’s been served well by his Agriculture Advisor Rod Snyder, and the creation of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is another tangible commitment on behalf of the EPA to ensure that farmer’s voices are part of the conversation.”