President Donald Trump is pledging to use tariff money to help farmers facing low commodity prices and high input costs. The Russell Group President Randy Russell expects the Administration to use its Section 32 authority, which gives USDA 30 percent of tariff revenue. Congress needs to make changes in that program to allow for direct farm payments. “We don’t know if we’re talking $10 billion or $40 billion, but I know (North Dakota) Senator John Hoeven and (Senate Agriculture Committee Chair ) John Boozman and others are working very hard on this.” Russell expects Congress to address this proposal before the end of the year. “Whatever mechanism they use to fund it, they need to get the assistance out quickly,” said Russell. “Clearly, through the so-called reconciliation bill that was done, there were increases in reference prices in ARC and crop insurance, but that assistance doesn’t start being made until the fall of next year. I think it’s not only authorizing the assistance, but ensuring that USDA gets it out quickly, early next year.” While there may be pushback from lawmakers representing non-rural districts, Russell said the case can be made for a bridge to assist farmers until those farm program changes are enacted next year.
