Ag Policy Blog

A coalition of 54 farm groups wrote President Trump, urging him to include a range of programs to address farmers' distress when he submits a supplemental appropriations request to Congress.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering sending the White House a $200 billion request to cover the costs of military action in Iran, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

"As the administration considers what needs to be included in a defense supplemental package in the coming weeks, we urge you to include much-needed market relief for America's farmers," the farm groups wrote.

"This relief should build upon recent efforts by your administration to deliver Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments, and should include meaningful support for all specialty crop, sugar and alfalfa growers, as well as provide relief for farmers who sold at harvest time lows due to trade uncertainty, support farmers and ranchers dealing with catastrophic weather events, and build longer-term demand stability for U.S. agriculture through year-round sales of E15 and tax incentives to increase use of domestic agricultural products, such as the Buying American Cotton Act and the Grown in America Act," the letter said.

"Additionally, administration actions, such as finalizing strong Renewable Volume Obligations in the Renewable Fuel Standard and supporting value-added opportunities for farmers in the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, will also help support longer-term demand stability for U.S. agriculture."

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) signed the letter, but also said in a separate statement, "The adversity facing our industry has never been greater, and it is essential that the administration strengthen and expand support for our specialty crop growers."

"Specialty crops account for one-third of all U.S. crop sales and should receive no less than one-third of any agricultural aid package," SCFBA said.

"That is why we continue to call on Congress for a dedicated aid package for specialty crops of not less than $5 billion, with clear guidance for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to structure the program after President Trump's highly successful CFAP-2 program. The future of America's specialty crop industry depends on meaningful, proportionate support."

The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.

Jerry Hagstrom can be reached at jhagstrom@nationaljournal.com

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