AFBF Applauds Diesel Order But Says More Needs To Be Done

President Trump said his recent executive order easing the limits on usage of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel will give farmers a break during the busy harvest season.

“We like that it urges states to have flexibility for dyed diesel usage and defers the federal tax," said American Farm Bureau Federation deputy chief economist Faith Parum.  "We do need state regulations to change to allow it to be used in all 50 states, so we're encouraging farmers to talk to their governors and make sure that they can use dyed-diesel in their state.”

Parum noted there are other steps that can be taken to help farmers through the remainder of the year.

“Well, first, we need all states to allow red dyed diesel usage," said Parum.  "So, we want to make sure that state government look and work with their farmers to make sure it makes sense for them. On the federal side, we'd like a complete removal of the tax on diesel. Um, so we look to Congress to see what they can do before the end of the year to help make sure that this relief is felt by farmers.”

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