Trump administration officials say the first direct aid payments are going out to farmers to offset losses from the continuing trade war with China. Deputy U-S Agriculture Secretary Steve Censky says, “I think we’d all sing halleluiah if China came to the table and agreed to mend their ways but, until such time, this assistance is ([to] try to help farmers.”
Censky says the federal aid is a per-acre payment for land planted in eligible commodities. Ag producers interested in receiving assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.
Indications from the Trump administration are that the president will continue his trade war until China makes significant concessions. Censky says, “I think the president has been clear that he’s looking for fundamental change there to address these practices that are gonna affect the very future of our economy.”