Last week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins went before the House Ag Committee to discuss with lawmakers what farm country needs to weather this economic crisis.
Representative Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat, stressed the challenges before farmers and growers due to the Administration’s decisions, including the war with Iran.
Salinas cited a recent Farmer and Rancher Policy Sentiment Survey that polled 1,000 growers across 44 states.
“Input costs are crushing American farmers. 78 percent of farmers name machinery and input costs, fertilizer, fuel, seed, and chemicals among the top three challenges facing their operation. This goes back to the war in Iran. It’s hitting farmers in the wallet. Another concern is that 94 percent of farmers say the war with Iran is impacting their business by raising fertilizer costs, energy costs, or both. Are you aware that diesel prices in Oregon are over $6 a gallon right now and are really harming my farmers?”
In addition to the war, Salinas talked about tariffs and the trade wars initiated by the Administration, which she said reduced farm exports. Secretary Rollins response?
“We’ve cut the trade deficit in half. What was $45 billion is now down to about $22 billion. Corn’s up, dairy’s up, tree nuts are up, ethanol’s up, sorghum is up, and soybeans are up. China has agreed to purchase five million metric tons, $17 billion, plus we’ve opened up 19 other markets,” Rollins said.
Salinas responded to Rollins answer with this statement.
“The President promised to lower costs for farmers. Fertilizer’s up, farmers are losing money on their crops, and your department has no timeline for fixing it,.”