May 24, 2019

NDFB President comments on assistance package

Topic: Issues

BISMARCK, N.D. (May 24, 2019) -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has announced the USDA will take actions to support farmers affected by recent trade negotiations. President Trump has authorized the USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs.

NDFB President Daryl Lies said farmers appreciate the efforts made by the Trump administration to improve market availability for farmers and ranchers. “Farmers are cautiously optimist about the trade negotiations for the future of our export markets,” said Lies. “While we appreciate the efforts made, we must also be cautious of government payments causing market distortion.”

NDFB has policy stating, “We encourage farmers to explore their options in order to farm without government programs.”

“Government programs can cause a false fluctuation in the market and strongly affect the supply and demand,” said Lies. “Though we appreciate Secretary Perdue looking out for American farmers, we are more focused on getting an equitable-trade deal for the farmers and ranchers.”

“NDFB is thankful for President Trump’s persistent negotiations to improve markets for farmers and ranchers. He is willing to play hard-ball with our trading partners, which is something we have not witnessed for a long time from Washington.”