The Trump Administration’s trade war with China is causing extreme stress for Kansas farmers. With tariff rates as high as 125%, Chinese demand for U.S. corn, soy and sorghum has dried up almost entirely. Not good for a state that has 90% of it’s farm exports going to China. So, what can save farmers this year? They are hoping that the federal government initiates the foreign food assistance program, known as the “Food for Peace” Program.
Known as PL-480, the program would allow the U.S. government via the U. S. Department of Agriculture to buy grains like corn, soy and sorghum from farmers across the country. This would then be donated to needy countries as a part of the Foreign Food Assistance Program. Kansas farmers are hoping a deal with China is reached soon. Although they have been saved by large yields this year, next year could be entirely different. If the trade war continues, it could spell disaster for farmers in Kansas, and across the country.
