TRADE AID PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED FOR FARMERS

BISMARCK, N.D. – Yesterday, the Trump administration authorized the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide up to $16 billion in programs to assist agricultural producers in response to retaliation and trade disruption.

“We appreciate the support that these programs will provide to our farmers and ranchers, but look forward to long term solutions,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “We support continued negotiations with China. We are hopeful that things can be resolved in the very near future.”

The trade aid consists of:

• $14.5 billion for the Market Facilitation Program, which consists of payments to producers of eligible crops and livestock;
• $1.4 billion for a Food Purchase and Distribution Program to purchase surplus commodities for distribution to food banks, schools and low-income services; and
• $100 million for an Agricultural Trade Promotion Program to assist in developing new export markets.

Full details on eligible commodities can be found on USDA’s website at https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2019/05/23/usda-announces-support-farmers-impacted-unjustified-retaliation-and.