Agriculture Welcomes USDA Help, Urges End to Trade Disputes

Agriculture groups welcomed the aid offered by a USDA relief package announced Monday, but urged the administration to end trade disputes.  Pork exports are one of the hardest-hit export categories, as U.S. pork exports to China are down significantly for the year, with the value falling 9% through June.  The drop has come mostly because of the 50% additional tariff from China.  The package will provide producers $8 per hog based on 50% of the number of animals they owned on August first.

National Pork Producers Council President Jim Heimerl stated that the U.S. pork sector was “grateful” for the relief package, “what pork producers really want is to export more pork, and that means ending these trade disputes soon.” Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said the relief package was “welcome news” for farmers, but added "what they really want are long-term markets, not handouts."

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