Perdue Reveals Target Date for Tariff-Related Farmer Aid

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue told reporters at the United Fresh trade show in Chicago that he hopes to have a plan for shielding farmers from tariff-related losses in place before the fall harvest.He later clarified his position in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, saying he’s “probably” going to stick with a Labor Day deadline for making decisions on farm aid.He stressed all parties involved would like to see some sort of resolution by July 7, the day after the U.S. and China will implement new rounds of tariffs.In other remarks in Chicago, Perdue said farmers know China has "not been a fair player." He added, "We will not allow agriculture producers to bear the brunt of China's retaliation as we defend our own interests as a nation.Perdue also confirmed the Commodity Credit Corp (CCC) could be one of the major tools used in any plan to compensate farmers.