Ag Policy Blog

USDA on Wednesday responded to the letter that many former and some current agriculture leaders sent to congressional agriculture leaders, criticizing the Trump administration's agricultural policies and actions and urging Congress to pass nine measures to counter the administration's policies.

The letter from agricultural leaders warned about the declining state of the farm economy and warned there is a risk of "widespread collapse of American agriculture." The agricultural leaders attributed the harm to Trump administration policies, especially around tariffs and cuts to USDA staffing in areas such as agricultural research as well as both foreign and domestic food aid.

In an email, a USDA spokesperson said, "President Trump is the most pro-farmer president of our lifetime, and through his leadership, the administration is supporting farmers through unprecedented international market access including over two dozen trade deals boosting ag market access and exports, lowered taxes, and improvements to the farm safety net in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Trump administration has been working around the clock since January 20th (2025) to put American farmers first after inheriting one of the worst farm economies the country has experienced in decades. President Trump is utilizing all the tools available to ensure farmers have what they need to continue their farming operations.

"There have been no widespread reductions in force (RIFs) at USDA. To make certain USDA can afford its workforce, Secretary Rollins announced a reorganization last July. Much of this reduction was through voluntary retirements and the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), another voluntary tool.

"To be clear, all critical functions of the department will continue uninterrupted. Last year, Secretary Rollins issued a Secretarial Memorandum exempting National Security and Public Safety positions from the federal hiring freeze. These 52 position classifications carry out functions that are critical to the safety and security of the American people, our national forests, and the inspection and safety of the Nation's agriculture and food supply system. These positions will not be eliminated. However, employees may be subject to relocation."

At least one in five employees at USDA left their jobs in 2025, a USDA Office of Inspector General report highlighted in December. See, "Trump Administration Dramatically Reduced USDA Staffing, OIG Report Highlights," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

In an email, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa., ignored the criticism of the Trump administration and focused on the congressional agenda.

Thompson wrote, "I have been ringing the alarm bell for years about the effects of a stagnant trade agenda and rampant inflation under the previous administration. Our producers are feeling the lingering effects of this mismanagement, compounded with ongoing market disruptions.

"That is why I led the charge in crafting a farm bill in 2024 that enhanced the farm safety net, doubled export promotion funding, invested in biosecurity, and robustly funded ag research and specialty crops. In 2024, few across the aisle were willing to join that effort. This past summer, Republicans in Congress were once again the sole advocates for agriculture when we pushed the Working Families Tax Cuts -- the largest investment in farm policy in two decades -- across the finish line.

"This Congress, I will continue the fight to move our ag economy forward. This agenda includes finishing the remaining pieces of a full five-year farm bill and introducing ag labor reform legislation.

"I am glad to know I should have bipartisan allies in these efforts, as this letter indicates. I look forward to continuing to fight for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities."

DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton contributed to this report.

Also see, "Ag Leaders Issue a Dire Warning: Agriculture Could Face Widespread Collapse,"

https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jerry Hagstrom can be reached at jhagstrom@nationaljournal.com

Follow him on social platform X @hagstromreport

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