Economic consequences: Trump administration urged to support rural America

ALBIA, Iowa — Leaders of several agricultural organizations encouraged the Trump administration to consider measures that support rural America.

“No matter what we do, coronavirus and social distancing will have economic consequences,” said Patty Judge, co-founder of Focus on Rural America, which hosted an online press conference April 16.

“We can already see that. It’s critical that our nation’s leaders work together to contain this virus and to prevent disastrous, long-term consequences.”

It’s crucial to avoid an outbreak in rural communities, Judge said.

“We have already seen the impact of limited resources on metropolitan hospitals across our country,” she said. “Our rural towns and counties face an entirely different system in terms of care. For years, rural hospitals across the nation have been closing — 166 since 2005.

“Those remaining hospitals function with a physician shortage. … Our rural hospitals and clinics are accustomed to sending emergency patients elsewhere. How will those communities fare without resources nearby?”

Here are highlights from the press conference:

“Spring is normally a very optimistic time, a hopeful time for farmers as they prepare the fields. But this is no ordinary spring. This is coming on the heels of some really tough years. Farmers are financially stressed to the brink across all commodities and livestock.

“The recent disruptions and market changes are sending those operations to more dire straits. That said, farmers continue to produce food, and abundant supply of it. Although there have been reports about concerns about grocery shelves, the fact is the supply is strong.

“The food is available. Products continue to be produced. The disruptions in the supply chain should be worked out in short order. We also know there are ongoing challenges with connecting that surplus of food to those in most need. But again, we expect those situations to be remedied.

“That said, what these disruptions have shown us is that the markets still have room to go down.”

Rob Larew, president

National Farmers Union

“What we need is strong government leadership and support. We need USDA to be right there along with us. We need immediate assistance, we need lifting of regulatory burdens that prohibit the momentum and growth behind higher blends of ethanol and then we need regulatory certainty.”

Emily Skor, CEO

Growth Energy

“If the president is going to invite oil executives to the White House, I believe he should do the same for the biofuel industry and for medical leaders, service industry and labor. Everyone should be represented. We cannot provide a bailout to airlines, cruise ships and oil companies and expect that our rural economic engine will get back in order.”

Patty Judge, co-founder

Focus on Rural America

“The folks producing, processing, retailing or transporting our food are on the frontlines of maintaining the health and welfare of our families.

“This is a difficult circumstance and situation that the ethanol industry and American agriculture finds itself in. It’s going to be important for the administration and USDA to be very forthright about the assistance it can provide, and very creative.

“It’s time for USDA to minimize the barriers to getting food supplies out to people in need and maximize creativity in terms of assistance and help it can provide.”

Tom Vilsack, former secretary

USDA