Severe weather, high expenses, and global uncertainty are hitting farmers on all sides, squeezing them to the break-even point.
Forty-four agricultural groups this week got laid out challenges facing rural America in the letter to President Trump. The March 19th letter recognizes progress has been made enhancing the farm risk management tools and securing much-needed tax relief for farmers, but additional resources are needed during this turbulent time. The letter said as the administration considers a defense supplemental package in the coming weeks, we urge you to include much-needed relief for American farmers.
That relief could build on the recent efforts by the little bill they received on farmer bridge assistance, program payments, and should include meaningful support for all specialty crops. Also, they said the “Buying American Cotton Act” should be passed and “Grown in America Act” should be passed. The letter mentions administration actions such as finalizing strong renewable volume obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standards Board and supporting value-added opportunities for farmers in the fuel production credit area.
But it’s needed and farmers are asking for help.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.