The Trump administration said Tuesday it would extend $12 billion in emergency aid to farmers amid signs the U.S. agricultural sector is beginning to feel the impact of President Donald Trump’s escalating trade disputes with major U.S. trading partners.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the U.S. government would provide incremental payments to support prices of some of the hardest-hit commodities, including soybeans, sorghum, cotton, corn, wheat and pork, according to a story by The Wall Street Journal.
“This is a short-term solution that will give President Trump and his administration time to work on long-term trade deals,” Perdue told reporters. Agriculture Department officials said the aid wouldn’t need congressional approval.