Ag Groups Respond to Trade Aid for Farmers

The Trump Administration announced a $12 billion plan to provide emergency aid to farmers who are struggling under an escalating trade war with China and other trading partners. While the groups were grateful for the aid, they all pointed out this is a short-term fix to a long-term problem. John Heisdorffer, American Soybean Association President, says the best idea is to expand other markets and develop new ones to buy soybeans that America isn’t selling to China. National Pork Producers Council President Jim Heimerl says the restrictions that American pork faces in critical markets like Mexico and China, the top two export markets last year, has placed U.S. pig farmers in dire financial straights. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says the USDA announcement is substantial but says they cannot overstate the dire situation that farmers face because of lost export markets. Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says the livelihoods of American farmers are on the line with every “tweet, threat, or tariff action that comes from the White House.” Johnson says they appreciate the stopgap assistance, but this plan is a short-term solution to a long-term problem.