Thoughts on ag in Trump’s presidency

New president mentioned withdrawing from the TPP

Schae Greenzweig
PigCHAMP

Last week, Donald Trump was elected the 45^th President of the United States, receiving strong support from the majority of rural counties throughout the country. Those same voters who helped place him in office are anxious for more details on the proposed agriculture policies of the President-elect, since both Mr. Trump and Sen. Clinton were rather quiet about this topic on the campaign trail.

It’s difficult to tell at this time where the future president’s priorities lie within agriculture. We do know he’s made some bold statements related to immigration and trade, both of which are directly related to agriculture. Trump has made it clear since the beginning of his campaign that he intends to crack down on illegal immigration. He also plans to negotiate or fully abandon trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

At an event in Des Moines, Iowa this past August, Trump spoke on more specific issues related to the Midwest farmer. “We are going to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard, corn-based ethanol, eliminate job-killing regulations like the Waters of the United States rule, which is a disaster, and provide desperately needed tax relief,” Trump said, according to Politico.

The Trump Administration released a list of agricultural advisors made up of nearly 70 people, including Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Trump will also be working with a Republican House and Senate when his term begins on Jan. 20.