Tariffs
Tariffs, also known as taxes on imported goods, are a tool used by President Donald Trump as part of his overall economic vision. As U.S. agriculture navigates tariffs and their implications on trade, commodity prices, input costs and more, ag economists and farmers remain divided on the effectiveness of tariffs and what the changes mean for the broader economy and livelihoods.
The Executive Order signed by President Trump Monday comes after years of farmer lobbying against phosphate duties, with Texas A&M estimating $6.9B in added costs since 2021 tied to sharply higher DAP fertilizer prices.
New York launches $30 million relief program offering farmers up to $25,000 as tariff costs mount to $20,000 annually per operation.
The request allocates $10 billion to row and specialty crop producers for crops planted in 2026, with the remaining $1.1 billion designated for Florida farmers hit by winter storms in late 2025 and early 2026.
USDA’s Great American Cotton Plan aims to boost demand for U.S. cotton through domestic manufacturing incentives, traceable supply chains and the Buying American Cotton Act.
FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson announced a formal investigation Thursday into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, drawing a standing ovation from farmers representing 18 states.
USDA and the Trump administration have unveiled a long-term fertilizer strategy focused on boosting U.S. production, fast-tracking projects and lowering costs.
Producers report mounting pressure from higher diesel, fertilizer and machinery expenses, alongside trade uncertainty and rural healthcare concerns, as policy impacts and election-year sentiment weigh on the farm economy.
In a candid conversation with Farm Journal, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says USDA’s message to fertilizer companies is simple: “Be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem.”