Perdue Must Be An Advocate For Farm Safety Net, Says NFU

Ahead of Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue’s scheduled visits to the House and Senate this week, the National Farmers Union is calling on the head of the USDA to work with Congress to make significant enhancements to the farm safety net.  NFU President Roger Johnson said the troubled farm economy if forcing more and  more American family farmers and ranchers into significant financial stress, so D.C. must respond now.

“Oversupply and trade disruptions, among other issues currently plaguing the farm economy, are likely to continue to depress farm prices into the foreseeable future. Family farmers and ranchers need a strong safety net to continue to weather these difficult economic circumstances.”

Johnson said the farming community needs Perdue to be a strong advocate Wednesday before the House Ag committee, and then again Thursday, before the Senate Ag Committee.  Johnson noted while it’s important to remain optimistic during these tough times, farmers need to be realistic about what’s in store for American agriculture.

“A majority of American farmers lost money last year, and that has been the case over the past several years.  Farm prices are unsustainably low. Farm lending is tightening. Farm hotlines are overloaded. Farm bankruptcies are rising.”

Perdue is expected to discuss 2018 Farm Bill implementation, among other things, while on Capitol Hill this week.

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