USDA Announces Support for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation and Trade Disruption
(Washington, D.C., May 23, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy to support American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally. Specifically, the President has authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. These programs will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing market access barriers.
“China hasn’t played by the rules for a long time and President Trump is standing up to them, sending the clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate their unfair trade practices, which include non-tariff trade barriers and the theft of intellectual property. President Trump has great affection for America’s farmers and ranchers, and he knows they are bearing the brunt of these trade disputes. In fact, I’ve never known of a president that has been more concerned or interested in farmer wellbeing and long-term profitability than President Trump,” said Secretary Perdue. “The plan we are announcing today ensures farmers do not bear the brunt of unfair retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners. Our team at USDA reflected on what worked well and gathered feedback on last year’s program to make this one even stronger and more effective for farmers. Our farmers work hard, are the most productive in the world, and we aim to match their enthusiasm and patriotism as we support them.”
Participants Opening Statements Audio:
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
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USDA’s Chief Economist, Dr. Rob Johannson
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Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Bill Northey
052319_USDA-3_BillNorthey-OpeningStatement_5m42s
Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach
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Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Brandon Lipps
052319_USDA-5_BrandonLipps-OpeningStatement_1m22s
Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Ted McKinney
052319_USDA-6_TedMcKinney-OpeningStatement_1m30s
QUESTIONS FROM MEDIA & ANSWERS FROM PARTICIPANTS
052319_USDATradeAid2-Q-A_Pt2_19m44s
LISTEN TO ALL OF THE AUDIO FROM THE CONFERENCE CALL BELOW
Background:
- Market Facilitation Program (MFP) for 2019, authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will provide $14.5 billion in direct payments to producers.
- Additionally, CCC Charter Act authority will be used to implement a $1.4 billion Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP) through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to purchase surplus commodities affected by trade retaliation such as fruits, vegetables, some processed foods, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and milk for distribution by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to food banks, schools, and other outlets serving low-income individuals.
- Finally, the CCC will use its Charter Act authority for $100 million to be issued through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) administered by the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to assist in developing new export markets on behalf of producers.