Tariffs are not the only concern for the ag industry right now. The National Farmers Union points to the 2018 Farm Bill and says it is just one of the many issues needing quick attention.
“We need a Farm Bill finished and across the finish line so that we can have that certainty. Right now, the possibility of market facilitation payments, the possibility of maybe we’ll get a farm bill, maybe we won’t, those aren’t promises that we can ultimately take to the bankers and be assured. So, we certainly need a lot more certainty in farm country right now,” said Rob Larew.
“Certainty” has been a popular word in recent months. U.S. trade partners say they need more, but the White House says the message is clear.
“Everyone in the world knows if I want to sell to America, just move your factory to America. Nothing is clearer, more stable, or more predictable than that. You want to sell to Americans, then get your company, get your business, get your plant and move it to America. That is the most predictable, and on top of that, we’re gonna have regulatory certainty, tax certainty, and energy certainty. So this is the definition of certainty and predictability, and to your point, it’s not a short-term fix; it’s the total realignment of the global trade system to put America first,” said White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Just one week ago, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced an aggressive international trade agenda. She will visit six markets in her first six months to address a $50 billion ag trade deficit. Her visits will include Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the UK. This is in addition to five other trade missions previously announced.
