Salinas Questions Rollins Over Iran, Trade

On Thursday, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins went before the House Ag Committee to discuss with lawmakers what farm country needs to weather this economic crisis. Oregon Representative Andrea Salinas stressed the difficulties and challenges before Willamette Valley farmers and growers due to the decisions of the Administration, namely the war with Iran.

Input Costs Are Crushing American Farmers

Salinas cited a recent Farmer and Rancher Policy Sentiment Survey that polled 1,000 growers across 44 states.

"Input costs are crushing American farmers," Salinas noted. "78% of farmers name machinery and input costs, fertilizer, fuel, seed, chemicals, among the top three challenges facing their operation. This goes back to the war in Iran. It's hitting farmers in the wallet. Another concern. 94% of farmers say the war with Iran is impacting their business by raising fertilizer energy costs, or both. Are you aware that diesel prices in Oregon are over $6 a gallon right now and are really harming my farmers?”

Iran Not The Only Issue Holding Farmers Back

In addition to the war, Salinas talked about tariffs and the trade wars initiated by the Administration, which she said reduced farm exports. Secretary Rollins response?

“We've cut the trade deficit in half. What was $45 billion is now down to about $22 billion," Rollins noted. "Corns up, dairys up, tree nuts are up, ethanol's up, sorghum is up, soybeans are up. China has agreed to purchase five million metric tons, $17 billion, plus we've opened up 19 other markets."

“President promised to lower costs for farmers, fertilizers up, farmers are losing money on their crops, and your department has no timeline for fixing it,” Salinas said.

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