Two days before the mid-term elections in the US, President Donald Trump’s government has announced over $15 billion (about Rs 1.3 lakh crore) in aid to farmers. It aims to provide relief to farmers who are suffering from the rising prices of diesel and fertiliser. Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war are also believed to be driving up their prices.
Ahead of the election, Trump’s focus has increased on rural areas. He visited Iowa and Kansas on Sunday. This time the election contest in these two states is considered tough. However, it is not clear how much rural voters will support Trump’s party because of these ads aimed at farmers.
Where and how much help will farmers get?
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the largest share of the more than $15 billion in aid is $8 billion. This money will be given once to farmers who are troubled by rising prices of diesel. However, the complete information about when the money will be received and who will receive how much has not yet been given.
Apart from this, loans of over 5 billion dollars will be guaranteed to cattle breeders and fishermen. Farmers and landowners covered by government conservation schemes will receive $1.8 billion. $573 million will be provided for composting projects and $57 million for expansion of meat processing units. Farmers growing specialty crops will receive $86.6 million in support for new projects.
The government will also purchase up to $472.5 million worth of agricultural products. These will be given to organizations that help the needy. Apart from this, eligible farmers will get separate assistance of $13.8 billion for the 2025 crop. It includes farmers growing corn, soybeans, wheat and rice.
Farmers worried about rising prices of diesel and fertilizer
Farming has become expensive for farmers this year. Fertilizer, diesel and farm equipment prices have increased. The trade war with China also affected sales of American agricultural products. The average price of diesel on Friday was $6.32 a gallon, according to American organization AAA. This is 70% more than a year ago. It is now costing $260 more to fill a 100 gallon tank than last year.
Greg Ebendahl, an agriculture expert at Kansas State University, says farmers’ increased fuel costs could be covered with government help. It will also provide some relief from the cost of fertilizer. However, this aid is not a permanent solution to the real problem of rising costs of agriculture.
Impact of farmers’ anger on elections
According to Alexandra Middlewood, a professor at Wichita State University, some farmers are happy with the government help, but they don’t see it as long-term relief. Inflation and medical facilities in rural areas are big election issues. A crackdown on immigration could create a shortage of farm laborers. Cuts in foreign aid and the SNAP food assistance program may also reduce demand for agricultural products.
According to Emporia State University professor Michael Smith, many rural voters like Trump, but don’t agree with all of his policies. Middlewood says disaffected voters don’t necessarily vote for Democrats. Some people will not vote or may vote for independent candidates. In such a situation, the decision of independent voters can be important in the election.
