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2016 – A year in review – Part 6

An agriculture economist says Rural America played a large role in the election of Donald Trump – and now they, along with the rest of the world are watching to see what happens in 2017.

Purdue University’s David Widmar says there are some uncertainties surrounding some of President-elect Trumps position on policy areas key to agriculture.

“The big questions remain about how President-Elect Trump will handle the trade agreements broadly speaking, more specifically with China who is our second largest trade partner in agriculture,” says Widmar.

He tells Brownfield there are also a lot of questions about his commitment to the Renewable Fuels Standard.

“Some of the picks for the cabinet and administration roles have been outspoken against the Renewable Fuels Standard, which has been a key part of the ag economy,” says Widmar

He says there are other policy areas to watch, too.

“There’s also key questions about immigration and farm labor, how that works through. And of course we’re getting ready to start work on the new Farm Bill,” says Widmar.

And Widmar says who Trump will pick to lead the Department of Agriculture continues to keep the industry guessing.

Audio: David Widmar, Purdue University