Mixed Signals from Administration On Additional Ag Aid

The Trump administration appears ready to provide additional aid to farmers if required, National Economic Council (NEC) Director Larry Kudlow told reporters at the White House, according to Reuters. "We have allocated $12 billion to farm assistance. And we stand ready to do more if necessary," Kudlow said. However, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue on Monday in Iowa said, "I am afraid that is not accurate," the Des Moines Register quoted Perdue as saying. "I think that possibly could be some miscommunication," he added. Perdue repeatedly has ruled out a new round of aid for 2019 crops and $8.3 billion has been paid out to date as part of last year's program. On Monday, USDA said it had extended the deadline to apply for such aid to May 17, from May 1. Perdue also said that Trump has not talked with him about any additional trade aid. "The president and I have not talked about that. Obviously, he was very forthcoming last year with $12 billion" in emergency federal emergency aid, Perdue said Monday, following a tour at Corteva Agriscience, the former Pioneer Hi-Bred seed giant based in Johnston, Iowa.