Ag groups make a last-minute push as time ticks for Trump’s tariff plan implementation

President Trump’s tariff plan is slated to take effect this afternoon. It is a move months in the making, but now a number of ag groups are making a last-minute push, asking the Administration to reconsider.

Groups like the Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, and NASDA have all signed a letter to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, writing that sweeping tariffs would have negative consequences for the U.S. ag industry. They warn that retaliation would create hardships for farmers and ranchers who never recovered from the last round of tariffs.

They are asking for trade policy that advances U.S. agriculture and prioritizes new market access. President Trump is expected to enact the new trade policy this afternoon at 4:00 Eastern.

Not every industry is worried about the President’s plan, though. The Southern Shrimp Alliance welcomes tariffs, urging the President to effectively raise the price of foreign shrimp. The group accuses the Treasury Department of allowing foreign companies to directly compete with American fishermen and say it is causing multi-generational businesses to close shop. They hope tariffs will boost domestic production.

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Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor that trade is unpredictable, and that President Trump is committed to making America’s producers part of that conversation.
Here are the top agriculture news headlines from RFD-TV News today (Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025) and the top trending stories on RFD-TV News.

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API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.