LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Questions are growing about how tariff revenue is used and whether farmers benefit, as trade policy again reshapes agricultural markets and federal spending priorities.
Dr. Bart Fischer of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University notes tariff revenue flows through longstanding statutory channels rooted in the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935. Section 32 requires 30 percent of customs duties to be directed toward agricultural priorities, including export promotion, domestic consumption support, and the restoration of farmers’ purchasing power.
Tariff collections have climbed sharply. Customs duties rose from $34.6 billion in 2017 to $70.8 billion in 2019, and the Congressional Budget Office projects duties could jump from $77 billion in 2024 to about $418 billion by 2026 under expanded tariff use.
In practice, most Section 32 funds support nutrition programs rather than direct farm payments. USDA retains limited authority for commodity purchases and assistance, while appropriations rules cap farmer-directed support at roughly $350 million in carryover funds annually — a small share if 2026 projections hold.
The structure leaves policymakers relying on tools like Commodity Credit Corporation programs for farm relief despite rising tariff revenues.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tariff revenues rarely flow directly back to farmers.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
March 18, 2026 05:14 PM
·
Bryan Combs with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service breaks down new farmland data from the TOTAL survey, highlights key findings, and potential impacts for the ag sector. ASFMRA’s David Klein also shares how those trends are reflected in the current farmland market, especially in the Midwest.
March 18, 2026 04:55 PM
·
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
·
NCBA President Colin Woodall states that misinformation like this is damaging to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence
March 18, 2026 12:09 PM
·
President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.
March 18, 2026 11:38 AM
·
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
March 17, 2026 02:33 PM
·
