In response to mounting pressure from farmers and their legislators, President Trump has authorized the early release of emergency farm aid, despite the ongoing government shutdown. The president directed USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to immediately free up $3 billion in CCC funds as growers struggle to stay afloat amidst the trade war with China. Rollins confirmed the $3 billion dollar amount recently on Fox News.
That plan could amount to more than $10 billion dollars but is being hampered by the shutdown. Rollins also announced that FSA offices, which are critical tools for farmers to access aid, will also be reopening.
Carryover funds will go to pay two staffers to work at each office five days a week. Rollins says that the moves to free up aid for farmers are needed right now as farmers struggle to pay bills.
Federal estimates indicate that soybean growers are losing an estimated 100-dollars an acre with China cutting off more than $12 billion dollars in U.S. soybean exports.
President Trump is set to meet with President Xi Jinping of China next week.
