WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is urging Congress to approve more than $11 billion in additional farm assistance, telling lawmakers many producers continue to struggle with high input costs despite efforts to improve the farm economy.
Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rollins says the Trump administration is pursuing both short-term financial relief and long-term strategies to reduce production costs, including expanding domestic fertilizer manufacturing.
“As I mentioned, bringing the cost of inputs down,” Rollins said. “We’re expanding fertilizer. The largest ammonia plant—we’re going to break ground in Louisiana in two weeks—bringing back to America real fertilizer production.”
Rollins acknowledged that supplemental assistance and bridge payments are helping farmers stay afloat, but said the industry needs broader reforms.
“We have to do these supplementals and these bridge payments for these farmers to survive,” Rollins said. “But what we’re seeing is just survival. We’re seeing a lot of the input companies—equipment, seed, fertilizer—make record profits. We’ve got to be able to dig into that as well. As of today, ensuring that we can keep these farmers farming while we’re opening markets and bringing down the cost of inputs is paramount for a secure America.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, where trade policy and agricultural exports are expected to be major topics.
Earlier this week, Greer indicated the administration is preparing a new round of global tariffs after months of relative stability. His appearance comes just ahead of the expiration of the administration’s current tariff policy on Friday, following a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that affected portions of the tariff framework.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said he plans to question Greer about strengthening the farm economy through expanded export opportunities and lower fertilizer costs.
“China is still hoarding urea through export restrictions on fertilizers,” Grassley said. “This unfair practice artificially lowers Chinese fertilizer prices and unfairly subsidizes Chinese farmers. If China lifted these restrictions, global fertilizer supply would increase and our Iowa farmers would see some relief. I look forward to speaking with Ambassador Greer about what we can do to help Iowa farmers weather this current economic environment.”
Greer has said he intends to brief Congress before announcing details of the administration’s next trade strategy.
