Cramer: Administration Announces $6.3 Billion in Aid for Farmers

Statement

Congressman Kevin Cramer commented on today's announcement by the Trump Administration to distribute $6.3 billion in aid for farmers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the first installment of payments of the total $12 billion package announced last month to help farmers affected by any retaliation on agriculture products during the trade negotiations with China and other countries.

Cramer recently hosted U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky in North Dakota to discuss this issue directly with producers. Cramer said farmers prefer trade over aid, and would rather market their products.

"While no aid program is perfect, today's announcement shows the Trump Administration's commitment to working for our farmers," said Cramer. "After speaking with Secretary Ross and Deputy Secretary Censky, I am assured our farmers will be in mind during any trade discussions. This announcement won't make everyone happy, but I am hopeful it will make up for some short-term hurt for our producers as long-term negotiations unfold."

The USDA reported soybean farmers will receive $3.6 billion in total direct payments where pork producers stand to get $290 million of payments and corn growers will receive compensation at a rate of a penny per bushel.

Cramer expressed concern on the low compensation rate allocated for corn through the USDA mitigation efforts. He hopes to see additional funds for corn and other North Dakota agriculture products as further payments are made, and encourages farmers to apply for aid beginning September 4.

Source