Farm Groups React: MFP Needed, Urge Free and Fair Trade

Farm groups welcomed the Market Facilitation Program payments announced Thursday but urge the Trump administration to restore trade markets quickly. With a depressed farm economy, and agitated global trade stemming from President Trump’s trade agenda, farm groups say U.S. agriculture desperately needs help. However, farmers would rather receive help through fair and free trade, not a government check. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says U.S. farmers are “grateful for the continuing support,” but says its “critically important to restore agricultural markets.” National Sorghum Producers Chairman Dan Atkisson says, “farmers need all the support they can get,” but calls for “meaningful dialogues that lead to long-term solutions” with China. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson followed the trend, stating a “sense of confusion and insecurity will likely persist,” until a long-term solution is reached. NFU expressed disappointment the program doesn’t include efforts to reduce production, and questioned the fairness of the county-by-county basis of the payments. Meanwhile, China and the U.S. meet again next week to continue trade talks.