Farmers know how drought, floods and late spring freezes devastate crops. Their hard work is increasingly challenged by climate change. Now, add to these challenges, the erratic policy direction from President Trump.
To help farmers make infrastructure investments to mitigate climate challenges, the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act offered farmers funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In turn, farmers signed contracts and paid up front knowing that the federal government would reimburse some of these costs.
However, according to the Washington Post (Feb. 10), President Trump has frozen these promised reimbursement payments, leaving farmers financially liable. Halting disbursements of federal funding negotiated and approved by Congress is unconstitutional, so Trump’s action is being challenged in court.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said “Freezing spending and making sweeping decisions without congressional oversight just adds more uncertainty to an already tough farm economy.” Along these same lines, the Iowa Soybean Association reported the suspension of USDA payments for a $95 million, five-year conservation grant benefiting 1,000 farms that produce corn, soybeans, wheat and sugar beets in 12 Midwestern states.
Opening a House Agriculture Committee hearing on February 11, 2025, Chair “GT” Thompson (R-PA 15), said: “Our nation’s food security depends on strong agricultural policy that provides stability for America’s farmers and ranchers; protects our land and natural resources; develops new trade opportunities while leveling the playing field for our producers; strengthens rural communities; and helps Americans access nutritious foods.”
Crushing support for farmers, as is being done by this current administration, is not a strong agricultural policy. Where is “GT’s” expression of concern over the current policy? On this issue, Mr. Thompson has been silent.
Carol Coldren (2/22/2025)