Jennifer Gilkerson, a dedicated farmer from West Virginia, never anticipated that her freeze-dried fruits would become entangled in the political turmoil of Washington, D.C. However, last Friday, she received shocking news: funding for a crucial U.S. Agriculture Department program designed to help schools and food banks purchase products from local farmers like her had been cut. This decision leaves Gilkerson, who has invested thousands of dollars in preparation for her fruit production, uncertain about the future of her business. “We’re just in such a state of shock. We just don’t really even know how to respond to all this. We thought that this was sacred and really untouchable,” she lamented. “Everyone thinks all farmers voted for this, but we did not vote for this.”
Farmers across the United States are feeling the pressure from President Donald Trump’s intensifying trade wars and proposed spending cuts, which threaten their livelihoods. From small organic berry growers in Maine to large-scale hog producers in Iowa, many are struggling to find markets for their products, facing potential losses as a result. Trump has acknowledged the situation, telling farmers that there will be “a little bit of an adjustment period” due to his policies. However, many farmers are concerned about the long-term implications of these changes.
Bob Hemesath, an Iowa farmer, expressed the sentiments of many in the agricultural community: “I think any farmer will tell you that we will take some short-term pain, but do not make this a long-term extended trade war, because that just won’t be good for agriculture or for the country in general.” He added that while he supports Trump's vision for better markets, losing established markets poses a significant risk to their sustainability.
U.S. farmers rely heavily on exporting their products, especially since the nation produces more than it can consume domestically. Many foreign buyers are interested in agricultural products that may not be popular in the United States, such as chicken feet and cow tongues. However, these overseas markets are now in jeopardy as Trump threatens to increase tariffs on imports, prompting other countries to retaliate with their own tariffs on U.S. goods. Chuck Conner, head of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, noted that disrupting food exports is particularly sensitive for American farmers.
The repercussions of Trump's tariffs are already being felt. After a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, China responded with a 10% to 15% tariff on U.S. agricultural products, including pork, wheat, and corn. In Maine, cattle farmers received notifications of a 15% increase in grain prices due to a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada. Sarah Alexander, executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, emphasized that consumers will eventually feel the impact of these changes, as farmers struggle with rising costs and uncertain supply.
Federal funding cuts and freezes, along with staffing shortages at the Agriculture Department, are also causing significant challenges for farmers nationwide. Farmers depend on grants and loans from the Agriculture Department to make their products affordable for consumers. As Gilkerson seeks new markets for her freeze-dried fruits, other West Virginia farmers are similarly affected by funding reductions to programs designed to promote local foods. Spencer Moss, executive director of the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, expressed frustration over the funding cuts that disrupted plans for a new product line.
With the planting season underway, uncertainty looms over farmers’ financial futures. In Virginia, John Boyd is anxiously awaiting a loan from the Agriculture Department to purchase seeds for his soybean crops. Typically, he relies on this funding to cover initial planting costs before harvesting in the fall. However, the absence of timely support is forcing him to scramble for alternative financing solutions. “It’s planting season, and there’s a cloud of uncertainty among the agriculture industry with this president,” Boyd stated.
As the global demand for U.S. agricultural products fluctuates due to tariffs and trade wars, farmers are concerned about their ability to maintain profitability. Prices for soybeans, corn, wheat, and pork are determined by a broader commodities market, which can be heavily influenced by international trade relations. Boyd highlighted the importance of a stable market for farmers to secure fair prices for their products, warning that ongoing trade disputes could lead to further declines in prices.
Farmers have experienced the effects of trade wars before, particularly during 2018 and 2019 when tariffs on China led to retaliatory measures that devastated U.S. farm sales. In response, Trump initiated a payment program to support affected farmers; however, it remains unclear whether similar assistance will be offered again. As farmers navigate these challenges, they are also focused on finding ways to manage costs and secure their futures. Hemesath emphasized the need for a resolution to ensure the viability of American agriculture moving forward.
