FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2022
Contact: Lyndsey Medsker
Lmedsker@nfudc.org, (202) 557-5328
WASHINGTON, DC – During a farm visit today in Illinois, President Biden announced new actions to give farmers the tools and resources they need to help respond to continuing supply chain problems and rising input costs for farmers.
Speaking in support of today’s announcement, NFU President Rob Larew said, “America’s family farmers, along with the economy in general, have faced sky-high prices for inputs due to global unrest and a lack of competition in agricultural markets. Lack of competition in the fertilizer market, for example, has resulted in a fragile supply chain prone to interruptions and price gouging. The Biden Administration’s promise to double down on USDA efforts to diversify domestic fertilizer markets is promising and we look forward to providing input on how to do this most effectively.”
Larew added, “We appreciate the Administration’s efforts to create more crop insurance options and flexibility for farmers as we face difficult planting conditions and mounting global instability. We will continue to work with the USDA to identify the best policy options to help farmers across the country meet these challenges.”
Specifically, the Biden-Harris Administration will:
- Expand the number of counties eligible for double cropping insurance.
- Increase technical assistance for farmers using technology-driven precision agriculture and other nutrient management tools.
- Double investment in domestic fertilizer production.
NFU’s “Fairness for Farmers” campaign has brought the devastating impact of monopolies on family agriculture into the national spotlight. Campaign priorities include addressing issues such as excessive costs for fertilizer, supply chain vulnerabilities, and increased farm equipment costs.
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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of more than 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
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