(NEXSTAR) – As the U.S.-China trade war continues to squeeze American farmers, many say they are running out of time and money while waiting for relief promised by the Trump administration.
“Time is of the essence,” said Virginia soybean farmer John Boyd, who warns that without immediate financial support, farmers may not survive. “While the grass is growing, the cows are starving.”
President Donald Trump has pledged to redirect billions in tariff revenue to help offset farmer losses, but months later, those funds remain frozen. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blamed the government shutdown for the delay.
“With the shutdown, that aid has been frozen,” Rollins said Thursday.
Meanwhile, Trump has authorized $20 billion in economic support for Argentina. The move comes as China shifts its soybean purchases to Argentina in the midst of its boycott of U.S. products.
“It’s a slap in the face,” Boyd said. “It’s not rocket science, we’re not going to be able to stay in business.”
Lawmakers from both parties are urging the administration to act. Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said the U.S. must focus on expanding access to global markets.
“They need to do everything they can to open up markets,” Thune said.
Rollins insists that remains the USDA’s goal.
“This is the long game,” she said, adding that she’s traveling globally to secure new buyers for American agricultural products. “There are countries all over the world we’re actually in discussion with.”
The American Soybean Association is continuing to push for a resolution with China, including the removal of a 20% tariff on U.S. soybeans. President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month.
