Concerns about how tariffs will affect farmers have been ramping up through the month of April. Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha joined officials from five other states on Wednesday, warning that the new 10% tariffs on all imports has the potential to devastate farmers as countries retaliate. Blaha cautioned that the $28 billion in farm bailouts during Trump’s first term would be insufficient this time, as the trade disputes are on a much larger scale, with more countries involved than just China. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish was concerned that the situation could trigger a crisis similar to the 1980s farm collapse, noting that slim profit margins, high input costs, and potential loss of multiple export markets could force farmers out of business. Trump responded Tuesday, posting “The USA will PROTECT OUR FARMERS” and indicating a relief package is being considered. Skepticism remains strong, however, as a bailout may not adequately address these global trade disruptions. Wertish spoke on farmers’ anxiety, quoting one attendee at a rural town hall: “The president’s betting the farm on tariffs. But he’s not betting his farm.”
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