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NFU says “trade successes” likely have long-lasting negative impacts

The head of the National Farmers Union says while the President’s State of the Union touted recent trade agreement successes, he believes the U.S. will become a smaller world market player in the future.

“Our reputation is going to be damaged for a long time to come.”

President Roger Johnson points to major Chinese ag investments into infrastructure in South America and Eastern Europe and China’s lack of keeping promises.

“We got a Phase One Deal that I think the market is saying they’re not sure it’s going to be real.”

He says the Market Facilitation Program has helped mitigate damage done by the Trump Administration’s trade policy, but it could have long-lasting negative impacts on future farm policy.

“We may lose the authority to use those emergency payments because I don’t think many people would honestly say they were put in place to be used in the fashion in which they were used.”

Johnson appreciates Trump’s work to reduce the opioid epidemic and that he took time to highlight progress but also remains disappointed by follow through on biofuel policy.