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Ag groups frustrated with latest tariff hike

Ag groups are discouraged by the latest round of tariff hikes as the U.S.-China trade war continues.  

Kimberly Atkins, vice president and chief operating officer with the U.S. Grains Council, says farmers need a win now more than ever.

“They’re struggling right now with low prices, weather concerns, and now additional concerns on the tariff front,” she says.

Audio: Kimberly Atkins, U.S. Grains Council

She says the organization has a delegation in China this week to meet with government and industry officials.

Brooke Appleton, vice president of public policy with the National Corn Growers Association, says although tariffs hurt some commodities more than others, the entire industry has been negatively impacted.

“For some commodities more so than others, but we’re all in this boat together and we ebb and flow together so it’s important,” she says.

Audio: Brooke Appleton, National Corn Growers Association

Jim Monroe, with the National Pork Producers Council, says the trade dispute with China continues to hurt producers.

“We’re continuing to urge for a resolution to these disputes- it’s not just China where we’re facing retaliation,” he says.

Audio: Jim Monroe, National Pork Producers Council

China says it will raise tariffs on U.S. goods in response Trump’s tariff hike on Chinese goods.

The groups spoke to Brownfield at the issues forum during the 2019 Washington Watch by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.