NFU: Farmer Aid A Nice Start But More Must Be Done

The National Farmers Union has reacted to the Farmers Aid package announced by the USDA Monday.  The Department of Ag will dole out $12 billion to growers hurt by retaliatory tariffs at the hand of China.  Rob Larew, NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy, said the USDA aid package is appreciated, and it will being to help.

“But our family farmers and ranchers need strong markets and long-term certainty. This trade war has already caused irreparable, long-term harm to what were strong trade relationships for American family farmers and ranchers.”

Larew said because of that, farm prices continue to plummet for U.S. farm goods, and overseas competitors are putting more land into production to fill the void.

“Farmers Union wants to see the administration pursue fair trade agreements to the benefit of farmers and rural communities. But it must transition away from an ad hoc emergency aid strategy and to work with Congress to develop a legislative solution to low farm prices that keeps family farmers in business. While the current farm economy and outlook are bleak, the administration and Congress have the tools to protect family farmers over the course of this trade war.”

USDA announced Monday it will send incremental payments to soybeans, sorghum, wheat, corn, pork, dairy, and cotton producers through the Market Facilitation Program starting on September 4.

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