Source: Jacqui Fatka, FARM PROGRESS, 5/23/19


Despite President Donald Trump’s desire to soften the blow to farmers from the trade war fallout, criticism of the lack of a long-term strategy was voiced on Thursday after limited details of the program add further uncertainty for farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to allocate as much as $16 billion, including $14.5 billion in direct payments to producers through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). Additionally, USDA has designated $1.4 billion for commodity purchases through the Food Purchase & Distribution Program as well as $100 million for the development of new export markets through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program.

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