US President Donald Trump has unveiled a $12bn (£9bn) farm aid package aimed at helping farmers impacted by low crop prices and the administration's ongoing trade wars. Most of the money – $11bn – is earmarked for one-time payments to farmers for row crops as part of the agriculture department's Farmer Bridge Assistance programme, with another billion reserved for crops not covered by the programme. While farmers have broadly supported Trump, the agriculture sector has been disrupted by trade disputes during his second term, particularly with China.
Also on Monday, Trump threatened to hit Mexico with an additional 5% tariff in a row over water supplies to US farmers. The White House states that the aid package will help farmers suffering from years of unjustified trade actions and accumulated inflation. Trump announced the aid during an event at the White House, flanked by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, with members of Congress and various farmers in attendance.
Maximising domestic farm production is a big part of how we will make America affordable again and bring down grocery prices, Trump proclaimed. Sorghum and soybean farmers have been particularly hit hard by the administration's trade disputes, with China being the leading exporter of their crops.
Payments are designed to help farmers market this year’s harvest and plan for next year’s crops while essentially serving as a bridge until better market conditions can be established. Trump noted that whether more aid packages would be necessary depends on the market's performance, stating, The farmers don't want aid; they want a level playing field.
Farmers like Mark Legan expressed that although the aid would help in the short term, high costs of production remain a significant concern. Many farmers are poised to utilize the funds to cover operational costs and invest in necessary equipment.
As polling shows increasing American concern over rising costs, Trump’s announcement comes amid complaints from farmers losing access to Chinese markets due to ongoing trade policies, particularly in soybean exports. This announcement could reshape rural America as farmers navigate the complexities of revived trade relationships and increasing production costs.
Also on Monday, Trump threatened to hit Mexico with an additional 5% tariff in a row over water supplies to US farmers. The White House states that the aid package will help farmers suffering from years of unjustified trade actions and accumulated inflation. Trump announced the aid during an event at the White House, flanked by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, with members of Congress and various farmers in attendance.
Maximising domestic farm production is a big part of how we will make America affordable again and bring down grocery prices, Trump proclaimed. Sorghum and soybean farmers have been particularly hit hard by the administration's trade disputes, with China being the leading exporter of their crops.
Payments are designed to help farmers market this year’s harvest and plan for next year’s crops while essentially serving as a bridge until better market conditions can be established. Trump noted that whether more aid packages would be necessary depends on the market's performance, stating, The farmers don't want aid; they want a level playing field.
Farmers like Mark Legan expressed that although the aid would help in the short term, high costs of production remain a significant concern. Many farmers are poised to utilize the funds to cover operational costs and invest in necessary equipment.
As polling shows increasing American concern over rising costs, Trump’s announcement comes amid complaints from farmers losing access to Chinese markets due to ongoing trade policies, particularly in soybean exports. This announcement could reshape rural America as farmers navigate the complexities of revived trade relationships and increasing production costs.
