Trump freezes aid funds, sparking protest from farmers
American farmers are protesting after the decision to freeze funds designated for purchasing products intended for humanitarian aid. According to Reuters, this decision impacted soybean and corn producers, among others, who were set to supply goods valued at $150 million.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture had planned to purchase soybeans and corn from local farmers for humanitarian aid programs. These products were to be used in initiatives such as Food for Progress and Food for Peace.
However, after January 20, President Donald Trump froze the funding for these initiatives. The new administration is cutting expenses that the government considers unnecessary.
Farmers in the U.S. are protesting. They won't sell government-contracted products
This decision to halt purchases affected many farmers who had already signed contracts for deliveries. Virginia Houston from the American Soybean Association reported that about 66,000 tons of soybeans are currently stored in warehouses.
The decision to remove these contracted purchases from U.S. government expenditures has sparked a wave of protests among American farmers. Farmers fear that stopping aid programs will deprive them of an important market.
U.S.-funded aid programs provided an opportunity for farmers to access an additional market and promote their products overseas. The current situation, paired with low prices and uncertainty related to a potential trade war, places them in a difficult position.
