U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has called for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be prepared to use all available resources to support American farmers facing ongoing economic challenges. During a confirmation hearing for Richard Fordyce, nominated as USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), Hyde-Smith highlighted recent legislative measures intended to assist agricultural producers.
“These legislative achievements handed a lifeline to the American farmers and ranchers,” Hyde-Smith said. “But the bottom line is this, American agriculture is not out of the weeds yet, as we well know. We know what the struggles are despite all of our best efforts. Times are still tough, and farmers are going to have to survive unfavorable conditions until much of the farm safety net improvements kick in.”
She emphasized the need for comprehensive support as harvest season approaches: “With the current situation we’re experiencing in the farm economy, we must have an all-hands-on-deck approach to support our producers as we head into harvest season.”
Hyde-Smith asked Fordyce if he would commit to using any and all authorities under USDA’s jurisdiction should emergency support become necessary for farmers.
“You are exactly right. It is tough in farm country right now, and you laid out all the reasons why that is,” Fordyce responded. “I would be supportive of looking at what authorities we might have at USDA, but certainly would love to partner with Congress, and understanding how both USDA, more specifically the FPAC mission area, could work together to find some solutions going forward.”
The senator also requested Fordyce’s commitment to work with U.S. farm-raised fish producers and relevant agencies such as USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Agricultural Research Service on extending Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) payments related to bird predation losses.
Recent legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill expands ELAP coverage for farm-raised catfish and other aquaculture operations that often suffer from bird depredation losses—an issue Hyde-Smith has advocated addressing over several years.
“Through the reconciliation process and after years of working on this issue, Congress is making producers of farm-raised fish experiencing losses associated with bird depredation eligible for ELAP. While this is a major win in helping our producers deal with this critical issue, it’s crucial that USDA implement this reform with clear, accessible, and producer-friendly guidance,” Hyde-Smith said.
As a member of both the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Agriculture Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith noted that $1 million was included in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill approved earlier this month by committee members for APHIS efforts against cormorants affecting Mississippi catfish operations.
