By: Jeni

American farmers overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the last election, but with the administration’s recent slashing cuts to federal programs and threats of a trade war, some farmers are questioning whether they made the right choice.  

Here are some of the changes that have occurred since Trump took office: 

  • References to climate change have been removed from the websites of federal agencies, including the US Department of Agriculture, the US Forest Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Further Reading

  • The implementation of mass deportations and a crackdown on legal immigration are expected to result in significant labor shortages in the agricultural sector, where 20% of workers are immigrants. These labor shortages make it hard for farmers to expand or even maintain their businesses, and they often lead to higher food prices. 

Further Reading

  • The administration is engaged in a trade war through tariffs imposed on Canada, China, and Mexico, America’s three largest trading partners. The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs and the retaliatory tariffs from these nations complicates farmers’ ability to plan for the future. This situation has American consumers preparing for higher grocery prices. Tariffs are expected to significantly affect imported potash fertilizer (85% of which comes from Canada) and exports of agricultural goods such as wine, beer, grains, and meat, causing even higher prices for American consumers on imported foods.  

Further Reading

  • The Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for programs awarded from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and grants and loans from various USDA programs has halted payments to farmers and conservation initiatives nationwide. Farmers and community leaders now face considerable financial risks as they await the promised payments from the USDA. 

Further Reading

Join HEC in supporting farmers, sustainable farming and conservation programs by voicing your concerns about these issues to your legislators! Contact your members of Congress or try 5 Calls.  

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Categories: Sustainable Agriculture