Ann Veneman
Appearances
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
Well, as you say, agriculture is an uncertain business, and I think uncertainty is what farmers face every day. But when you add on the disruption markets due to trade, these tariffs would fall most heavily on the U.S. agriculture industry. So, for example, China has been a major export market for U.S. agricultural products. One quarter of the U.S. crop of soybeans has been exported to China.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
They may lose that market if the tariffs go back on soybeans like they did in 2018.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
Certainly farmers are supported in many ways. The USDA is one of the most diverse and largest departments in government. So about 14% of USDA's budget goes directly to farm conservation and commodity programs, directly supporting farmers. much of it through subsidized crop insurance to insure against losses. But the USDA has so much more.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
For example, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Program has experts working to protect agriculture from pests and diseases, particularly these days, bird flu. You know, we have the Food Safety Inspection Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It's responsible for the safety of the meat and poultry. And then, of course, you talk about the nutrition programs.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
They account for about 70% of the USDA budget. There is discussion about whether or not the SNAP program, the former food stamp program, will be cut. But there's also discussion about whether or not there may be some limitations on what you could buy.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
Well, potentially there is one program. It's about a billion dollar program that the department has already said it's going to cut. It buys produce locally produced by farmers in the area for food banks and school lunch. That program is already being cut and farmers that are depending on that program are already feeling the effects of that.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
Well, it puts them in a very difficult position. They've already started the work. They've already spent their part of the cost share. And if the money is not going to come from the federal government, it puts them in a very precarious position. They may then come under pressure from their banks because they can't pay back their loans. And I think when you have a contract, it should be honored.
Consider This from NPR
Farming is uncertain — a trade war makes it more so
Well, farmers always want support, but I will say that farmers really want markets opened up around the world. When you look at what's happening today, when we're shutting off markets, that is exactly the opposite of what farmers wanted when I was at USDA.