USDA Provides Details on Trade AID Programs

September 6, 2018

The Agriculture Department announced details of so-called “trade mitigation programs,” new spending of up to $12 billion in payments, purchases and market development for commodities affected by retaliation against President Trump’s numerous new tariffs.

Under the Food Purchase and Distribution Program, the Agricultural Marketing Service will buy up to $1.2 billion in commodities, namely “those impacted by unjustified tariffs imposed by other nations,” according to AMS.  A separate Marketing Facilitation Program will make direct payments to farmers, with soybean growers receiving the largest share.  Other commodities to receive this aid are mostly, though not exclusively, those that have traditionally benefited from government support programs.

A third program, the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, will provide additional foreign market development funds.  Applications for the aid are due November 2, 2018.