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Ag groups pleased with support for farmers impacted by trade disputes

Many ag groups say they are pleased there will be another round of support for farmers impacted by trade disruptions, but more must be done.  

National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule was at the White House today for the announcement.

“The president was very clear in his opening statement that he supports our U.S. farmers and that he understands the trade disruption especially with China has been a direct result in lower market prices,” he says.

He tells Brownfield although payment rates were not released, he is hopeful the USDA will take into consideration the two years of trade disruptions.

“That gives me some reassurance that wheat will have a better equity share of the actual damages that have been caused by this disruption,” he says.

Audio: Chandler Goule, National Association of Wheat Growers

He says the program still doesn’t make farmers whole and NAWG wants to see the administration work on finalizing trade agreements that open new markets for farmers.

American Soybean Association Director Rob Shaffer says the announcement is a step in the right direction.  

“I’d like to see more details on this second round of market facilitation payments, but I think they achieved their goal of not driving planting intentions,” he says.

He says it’s helpful that more commodities were included in this round because many farmers have diversified operations.

“A lot of crops have been hurt – livestock and grains – and farmers don’t just farm one crop,” he says. “I have corn, soybeans, and Angus cattle, for example, and a lot of us are diversified some what and a lot of markets have been hit.”

Audio: Rob Shaffer, American Soybean Association

The National Corn Growers Association welcomed the announcement.

In a statement, NCGA President Lynn Chrisp said they appreciate the administration’s support as farmers face planting delays, retaliatory tariffs, and demand destruction in the ethanol market.

Chrisp was also at the White House for the announcement today.