For Immediate Release                    

Contact:    Caitlin Eannello, 240-423-4345 (Cell) 

Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2019) – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that the White House has authorized the Agency to provide up to $16 billion dollars in assistance to farmers who are being impacted by the U.S. trade war with China and other trade disruptions. NAWG President and Lavon, TX farmer Ben Scholz attended today’s ceremony at the White House which focused on this announcement and made the following statement in response:

“NAWG is grateful for the President’s understanding of the stress and damages China’s retaliatory tariffs have had on growers. Further, we look forward to working with the Administration to quickly finalize other trade agreements which open up new markets for wheat farmers.

“While we appreciate the trade mitigation program, it doesn’t make farmers whole. The U.S. exports 50% of its wheat which means we need a long-term solution. This includes getting USMCA across the line, completing negotiations with China and supporting our WTO case, and closing a trade deal with Japan.

“Lastly, NAWG will continue to work with the Administration and USDA as the Agency crafts a relief strategy so that the program works best for wheat farmers. We are pleased to hear that the USDA will take a broader look that the tariffs have had on all trade deals and markets when considering a longer-term relief package.”

About NAWG
NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 21 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national levels. From their offices in the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.