FARGO, N.D. (RFD-TV) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently unveiled a new five-step plan designed to strengthen the farm economy as producers face high input costs and mounting market challenges. A key piece of the plan is a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice aimed at investigating fertilizer and seed prices—two of the most significant expenses for farmers.
North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the announcement and discuss its potential implications for producers in his state and nationwide.
In an interview with RFD-TV News, Watne emphasized the urgent need to address rising input costs, stating that the MOU has the potential to increase transparency and level the playing field for family farmers.
Watne also weighed in on the USDA’s decision to expedite $285 million through the America First Trade Promotion Program to help expand global market access for U.S. commodities, a timely move as harvest season gains momentum.
Lastly, he discussed President Trump’s recent comments about directing aid to farmers through tariff revenues, sharing his thoughts on how an aid package could best support producers.
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Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
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Ag industry leaders and lawmakers are urging continued support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing strong export growth, supply chain integration, and economic benefits for U.S. farmers ahead of the pact’s July review.
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The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
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