For Farmers Caught in the Crossfire
The escalating trade disputes between the United States and other nations has implications far beyond the headlines and evening news. In many cases, America’s agricultural producers have become collateral damage, caught in the crossfire of an international trade war. Farmers negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs imposed by foreign nations may now apply for relief through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA will provide up to $14.5 billion in direct payments to farmers as part of a broader trade relief package. Applications are now being accepted, but the sign-up period ends Dec. 6.
Relief is available to producers of non-specialty crops, such as corn, soybean, wheat and many others. MFP payments will also be made to dairy and hog producers, as well as to growers of specialty crops, including fruit and nuts. Crop farmers can apply for a per-acre payment, which varies by county. Within the five counties of Missouri’s 16th Senatorial District, the per-acre rate ranges from $42 to $57, regardless of the crop produced.
Dairy farmers who were in business on June 1 can receive a per-hundredweight payment, based on their production history. MFP assistance to hog producers will be based on the number of live hogs owned on a date selected by the producer between April 1 and May 15.
Payments will be made in three installments, with the second and third payment dependent on market conditions and trade opportunities. MFP payments are limited to $250,000 per person or legal entity for each of the three categories of agricultural products: specialty crops, non-specialty crops and dairy/hog. No applicant can receive more than $500,000 in total. Eligibility requirements apply.
The USDA’s Market Facilitation Program began in 2018, with about $8.6 billion paid to producers during the first year. MFP is one aspect of USDA’s efforts to help producers impacted by tariffs. In addition, the Food Purchase and Distribution Program buys surplus commodities from producers. Often these commodities are delivered to schools, food banks and households throughout the nation, and are a vital component of America’s food safety net. USDA’s Trade Promotion Program aims to mitigate the adverse effects of retaliatory tariffs by developing new international markets for American agricultural goods. For more information about these programs, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office or visit www.farmers.gov online.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.