WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — After months of speculation, relief is now on the way to America’s farmers and ranchers. President Donald Trump announced the $12 billion aid package on Monday afternoon during a roundtable discussion with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. $11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops. The President also promised to ease environmental restrictions on farm equipment, calling farmers “the backbone of the country.”
President Trump said the relief would come from a fraction of the revenue generated by tariffs.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins had the chance to make a statement, saying this is a win for farmers.
“We have been listening to the farmers for the last 10 months, that the bridge that is needed to get from the last Administration...to this new golden age for farmers where instead of farming for government checks, they can farm to feed their family and sell their products and pass it on to the next generation.”
Several farm groups and ag lawmakers are responding positively to this week’s news. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says payments will be distributed quickly, giving growers certainty as they plan for next season. During the roundtable in Iowa, cattle and soybean farmers told Trump that “it’s Christmas early for farmers” thanks to these bridge payments.
Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop or shuttering a family farm.
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer said, “I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for stepping up to ensure that America’s ag producers have the support they need to feed and fuel our world. I look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to expand trade opportunities that will create strong markets for Nebraska’s ag products.”President Trump announced an aid package for farmers today during a roundtable meeting at the White House. He announced a $12 billion relief package during the meeting, calling farmers “the backbone of America.”
