Michigan farmers face uncertainties despite bailout, union says
Michigan Farmers Union says it’s unclear how much relief money will make it to local farmers, who also face workforce challenges.
The Trump administration recently announced $12 billion in bailout money in an effort to prop up the farming industry. That comes as farmers around the country have complained about trade wars and general economic conditions making it tough for them to do business.
What that money looks like by the time it makes its way to local farmers remains to be seen. Michigan Farmers Union president, Bob Thompson, says there are still questions surrounding the distribution.
Listen: Bob Thompson discusses issues facing Michigan farmers
“The Administration,” says Thompson, “still has to decide how much money is going to corn, versus wheat, versus soy beans, versus 15 different row crops.”
Thompson says about $11 billion of the $12 billion in the bailout will be dedicated to row crops. That means farmers growing specialty crops, like apples and cherries, will share the remaining funds.
Thompson warns the funding may not be enough to offset the challenges facing Michigan’s farms.
“The financial problems that a lot of farmers, particularly our smaller family farmers are experiencing, is a direct result of a lot of policies of the new administration,” Thompson explains, “ Particularly the tariff policies.”
He says the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration has also hurt farmers in the state. About three-quarters of the seasonal workforce on farms comes from immigrant labor programs.
The Michigan Farmers Union says it may take a new long-term farm bill to stabilize the industry.
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