On Tuesday morning, USDA announced a new National Farm Security Action plan.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says that it includes a renewed focus on protecting American agriculture from foreign threats.
That includes the threat of U.S. farmland being acquired by countries like China.
States like Arkansas and Nebraska have already taken action on the issue. Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders explained how her state is taking action against Chinese-owned Syngenta and other actions they are taking.
Related Stories
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
Bangladesh recently pledged to purchase 700,000 tons of U.S. wheat and has also become a new buyer of American soybeans.
China still has a long way to go before it meets its commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year.
