Ciscomani Welcomes Secretary Rollins to Tucson, Highlights Agricultural Advancements in Southern Arizona

Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to Tucson, for a visit highlighting the agricultural strength of Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District and the Administration’s work to support Southern Arizona’s farmers and ranchers.

Secretary Rollins and Representative Ciscomani attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Southwest Watershed Research Center, a new Agriculture Research Service facility in Tucson. Following the ceremony, Rollins and Ciscomani held a press conference, joined by USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, Dr. Scott Hutchins to discuss the impact this new facility will have on the agricultural community of Southern Arizona, and to highlight the Administration’s work in supporting and strengthening Arizona’s farmers and ranchers.

"I was proud to join Secretary Rollins for the ribbon cutting of this new research facility, which will make a real difference for farmers and ranchers across Southern Arizona," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. "Secretary Rollins has been a tremendous partner in delivering results for Southern Arizona, and today’s ribbon cutting is another example of what we can accomplish when we work together with local leaders to address the needs of our communities. This new Agricultural Research Service facility will help strengthen our agricultural industry and support the farmers and ranchers who keep our communities and our economy moving forward. By investing in research and innovation, we can help ensure Southern Arizona’s agricultural industry remains strong and competitive for generations to come."

"From water research to cotton to screwworm, Representative Ciscomani has been an outstanding partner as USDA puts farmers and ranchers first," said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "I was honored to join him in Tuscon today as we opened a research facility that will give our farmers the tools they need to conserve water, protect soil, and sustain productive working lands. I saw firsthand the preparations to soon reopen the Port of Nogales to cattle trade as we keep fighting New World Screwworm and protect the Great American herd. I am grateful to work with a member of Congress who shares USDA’s commitment to protecting American agriculture, strengthening our nation’s food supply, and investing in solutions that benefit producers, communities, and future generations."

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Ciscomani has been a continued advocate for the local agricultural community throughout his time in office, especially in the effort to prepare against the threat of New World Screwworm.

Earlier this year, Ciscomani championed the University of Arizona’s successful application for a $3.74 million USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Grant, which will be used to expand research, surveillance, education, outreach, and the development of innovative detection technologies to strengthen Southern Arizona’s preparedness and rapid-response capabilities in the fight against New World Screwworm.

Ciscomani also worked with Secretary Rollins, USDA officials, and Arizona producers to secure a $25 million investment for a sterile fly dispersal facility in Cochise County and to reopen the Douglas Port of Entry for livestock trade. These efforts will strengthen the nation’s long-term response to New World Screwworm.

During today’s visit, Rollins and Ciscomani also traveled visited the Nogales/Mariposa Port of Entry for a roundtable with local agricultural leaders, to highlight the above efforts and discuss their continued dedication to the needs of farmers and ranchers in Southern Arizona.

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Rep. Ciscomani remains committed to advocating on behalf of the agricultural community in Arizona’s Sixth District and looks forward to continuing partnership with Secretary Rollins, the USDA, and local producers to ensure Arizona’s farmers and ranchers have the federal resources they need to thrive.

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