Lawmakers’ letter to Pres. Trump: Keep ag in mind with trade policy discussions

A group of House lawmakers is asking President Trump to keep farmers in mind when furthering his trade policy, and it comes as another major trade deadline appears on the horizon.

The President is still planning to initiate reciprocal tariffs starting April 2nd, a little over one week away. However, some House Republicans, like Texas Representative Jodey Arrington, are asking for grace, requesting Trump to keep farmers in mind as he furthers his trade agenda.

They write trade barriers opposed by other countries hurt farmers, warning some countries will likely target the U.S. beef industry. Arrington says the U.S. has taken little action over the last few years.

The letter also highlights the growing ag trade deficit, which hit $32 billion last year, the highest on record. USDA’s most recent Farm Income Forecast shows profits are set to increase for the first time this year since 2022, but that is largely because of the assistance package that is currently being distributed.

Related Stories
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
Matt Brockman, communications director for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, joined us to share a preview of the upcoming event.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.