ARLINGTON, Iowa- Iowa Corn Grower's Association President Mark Recker spoke with WHO Radio News today (Tuesday) about news of $12-(B) billion in aid to farmers, hurt by ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainty.
Recker, an Arlington, Iowa farmer, tells WHO Radio News, farmers want the problems to be resolved because exporting and market access are our number one priority as corn farmers. Recker says farmers are optimistic, but there's also concern.
He says also says the aid-package is a sign that the White House recognizes there are issues connected to the tariffs, which are impacting the agriculture economy. Recker tells WHO Radio News ultimately, resolving trade differences and repairing relationships with our trading partners must be a top priority.
Recker's statement:
The Trump administration announced today it will provide $12 billion-dollars in aid to farmers hurt by the ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will use their authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation to authorize a market facilitation program, a food distribution program and a trade promotion program to stabilize the agricultural economy during times of turmoil. We appreciate President Trump and his administration hearing farmers' concerns and understanding the dire situation that many of us now face. Our state has enjoyed a long-standing and prosperous trading relationship with many countries around the world. Iowa corn farmers have worked for decades to support fair and open trade practices because we understand the value of trade.When politics or market forces beyond farmers' control put their business at risk, the government can and should consider initiatives to keep family farmers on the farm. As farmers, we want access to markets, which will allow us the ability to compete on a level playing field but support these payments if this stands as our only recourse. We will continue to monitor details of this proposal as come together. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration on reaching a final agreement on the North American Free Trade Agreement and other trade negotiations, so farmers have long-term certainty in the marketplace, and so we can build upon the trade successes we have already achieved under many other free trade agreements.