More 12 Billion

Agricultural groups are offering cautious support for the USDA's $12 billion plan to assist producers who are bearing the brunt of the administrations multi nation trade war. Last week agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue announced three new programs. The market facilitation program which will pay farmers directly. The food purchase and distribution program which will purchase surplus agricultural commodities for distribution to food banks. And the trade promotion program which will look to develop new export markets. Perdue says it is a short-term solution that will allow the president to work out long-term trade deals. "For decades, China has engaged in unfair trade practices and engaged in the forced transfer or outright theft of intellectual property. It is clear to everyone that Pres. Trump has gotten China's attention like never before, the programs we are announcing today are a firm statement that other nations cannot bully our agricultural producers to force the United States to cave in." The American Far Bureau Federation says it is grateful for the temporary relief but farmers and ranchers continue to face dire consequences because of lost export markets. The Farm Bureau says its focus will also continue to be on trade and restoring markets.