New Poll Shows Consumer Approval of Agricultural Support
WASHINGTON, DC – America’s farmers and ranchers have been dealing with extreme challenges over the past six years, from trade retaliation to plummeting prices. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it added just another layer of stress on the agricultural economy. Over the past two months, however, Congress and the Trump Administration have responded with financial assistance both directly through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and indirectly through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). It appears the pain has been noticed by consumers, as their personal experiences with food supply chain shortages have added to the support for the industry. According to a new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) poll, 94 percent of Americans trust farmers and approve of federal financial support at this time. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says that “shortages at grocery stores and other food supply chain shockwaves caused by the pandemic gave many people a new understanding of the crucial role of America’s farmers and ranchers and the importance of their survival through the COVID-19 economic storm.” USDA estimates suggest the decline in commodity value alone for 2019 through 2021 production, totals almost $50 billion – not including all of agriculture’s losses, which would be billions more. More broadly, the Farm Bureau poll also reveals that nearly 60 percent of Americans believe the federal government should classify U.S. agriculture as a matter of national security to ensure stable food supplies.
(SOURCE: American Farm Bureau Federation)