As mid-term elections inch closer, U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to bolster his rural support with an additional $11 billion in aid. Several media outlets from Reuters to agricultural newspapers are reporting his request to Congress for more funds.
The monies are to target row and specialty crop producers who have felt the sting of higher fertilizer and fuel prices since the start of the Iran war. In the original distribution of funds, $1.1B was targeted to specialty growers. As of June 25, there’s no word on the amount designated for horticulture in this new round.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall is applauding the White House request to Congress for more assistance.
“Farmers are grateful to have the president’s backing at such a critical time after enduring years of economic losses due to inflation and depressed markets,” said Duvall. “Additional aid will give farmers optimism headed into harvest later this year as they await the benefits of enhanced farm bill programs, better market access overseas and stronger domestic demand.”
“Not only do we urge Congress to heed the White House call to deliver economic aid, but we also know both sides of the aisle in Congress recognize more is needed as farmers’ losses nationwide far exceed $11 billion. Over the last decade we have lost nearly 200,000 farms, so we need to stabilize the farm economy and reverse that trend.”
Source : The Grower