US President Donald Trump has unveiled a $12bn (£9bn) farm aid package aimed at helping farmers impacted by low crop prices and the administration's ongoing trade wars.
Most of the money – $11bn – is earmarked for one-time payments to farmers for row crops as part of the agriculture department's Farmer Bridge Assistance programme, with another billion reserved for crops not covered by the programme.
While farmers have broadly supported Trump, the agriculture sector has been disrupted by trade disputes during his second term, particularly with China.
The White House says the aid package will help farmers suffering from 'years of unjustified trade actions' and accumulated inflation.
Trump made the announcement during an event at the White House, emphasizing that maximizing domestic farm production is part of making America affordable again.
Members of Congress and representatives from various farming sectors attended, showcasing the federal government's commitment to stabilizing agricultural markets amidst ongoing challenges.
Farmers like Mark Legan have expressed that while the aid will assist, it does not resolve the core issues of high production costs and shrinking export markets. Concerns remain that without a level playing field, assistance alone won't ensure long-term sustainability.
This announcement follows Trump's threats of new tariffs aimed at Mexico, illustrating the complexities of international trade relationships concerning agricultural exports.
