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Illinois Farm Bureau To President: Thanks But Not Enough

A field of corn
Randy Wick
/
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Farmers said the president's aid package will not make up for all the economic harm the tariffs are creating.

Farmers across the nation have expressed concern about economic hardship created by Trump tariffs and retaliation by other nations against U.S. agricultural products.

The USDA on Tuesday announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers. Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert said his organization appreciates administration recognition of the damage the retaliatory tariffs have caused in Illinois and across the nation.

“While we are grateful for the support from the administration, we must stress that this aid package will not make farmers whole in the face of continued trade tensions," said Guebert.

Guebert said the Farm Bureau, based in Bloomington, hopes a number of trade talks will resume with global partners.

"The economic and marketing damage caused by these tariffs will continue as long as they’re in effect, and likely, far longer. That’s why we urge the president and the administration to continue to negotiate trade deals with our global partners, including Mexico, Canada, Japan and the European Union, and get back to the table with China, to work on resolving unfair trade practices that are the underlying issue," said Guebert.

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WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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