President Trump told American farmers on Tuesday to “bear with me” regarding new tariffs, but Indiana’s Corn Growers Association and Soybean Alliance are asking the state’s congressional delegation to intervene.
During his address to Congress, Trump said new tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China will “be great for the American farmer.” He also said America’s ag products are superior to imported ones, and that farmers are going to have a “field day” selling in their home market.
On Wednesday, the Indiana’s Corn Growers Association and Soybean Alliance released a statement asking for a “swift resolution” to the issue.
“As Indiana’s soybean and corn farmers begin to prepare for the spring planting season, they are closely watching lower bushel prices and higher input costs,” Brian Warpup, chair of the ISA’s Membership and Policy Committee, said in a statement. “This year’s crop was already shaping up to be a challenge, but with the added complication of increased tariffs, farmers fear that fewer exports will lead to higher stocks and even lower bushel prices.”
In the same statement, Indiana Corn Growers Association President Chris Cherry added, “We urge Indiana’s congressional delegation to work with the Trump Administration to resolve these trade issues so that Indiana farmers can continue to export corn and soybeans to critical markets such as China, Mexico and Canada.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mexico, Canada, and China are the U.S.’ biggest ag trading partners.
Read more: Agriculture Secretary outlines plan to combat bird flu
