WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is not considering issuing more farm aid beyond its recently announced $12 billion package meant to help farmers weather poor economic conditions, said Richard Fordyce, the agency’s under secretary for farm production and conservation.
Farmers are facing low crop prices, high costs of agricultural inputs like fertilizer and the impacts of President Donald Trump’s trade war, which has shrunk exports of some crops. While farmers welcomed news of the $12 billion package earlier this month, they warned that it would not make them whole or rescue the sagging farm economy.
Sign up here.
Farm losses this year could reach $44 billion, according to an estimate from North Dakota State University.
Fordyce said the USDA was aware the aid would fall short, but is not considering further assistance in part due to funding limitations.
