Farm Bureau Urges Delay in Tariff Deadline

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on next week’s tariff deadline set by the Trump administration. Canada, Mexico and China face increased tariffs on imports beginning March 4.

“Farm Bureau supports the goals of security and ensuring fair trade, but farmers and rural communities often bear the brunt of tariffs and tariff retaliation. Mexico, Canada and China are the three largest agricultural trading partners. Canada is also the leading supplier of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer.

“We appreciate President Trump for delaying tariffs earlier this month to allow for more negotiations between the U.S. and its trading partners. It gave farmers and ranchers some certainty as they prepare for planting season.

“For a third straight year, farmers are losing money on almost every major crop planted. As the new deadline approaches, we ask the president to continue to look for ways to avoid imposing tariffs that will further drive up the cost of fertilizer and other supplies, and could reduce access to markets for the farm and ranch families dedicated to keeping America’s pantries stocked.”