By Jamie Martin
Speaking at the Agriculture Outlook Forum in Kansas City, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins outlined broad action to help farmers manage steep cost increases. Since 2020, seed expenses are up 18%, fuel 32%, fertilizer 37%, interest 73%, and labor costs 47%, largely due to H-2A wage rules.
To counter rising prices, USDA and the Department of Justice signed an agreement to investigate supply chain competition and enforce antitrust laws. This effort targets high costs for seed, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment while safeguarding consumer prices and food security.
Financial support is central to USDA’s plan. The agency has already delivered more than $8 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payments and will release the final $2 billion this week, bringing total relief to $10 billion. Livestock producers have received $2 billion through emergency relief, and farmers impacted by disasters gained $5.5 billion, with more assistance coming soon.
Market expansion remains a priority. USDA is starting the America First Trade Promotion Program one year early, using $285 million to help U.S. crops enter new international markets.
International food aid also grows, with $480 million dedicated to McGovern-Dole and Food for Progress projects. These purchases include 417,000 metric tons of U.S. commodities, with a 50% increase for school meal programs and 361,000 metric tons for market-building exports.
Rollins stressed that supporting farmers is a national security goal. Through aggressive trade promotion, strong antitrust enforcement, and timely relief, USDA aims to protect American agriculture and ensure a stable, competitive food supply for the future.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National