WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa released the following statement today regarding the Trump administration’s announcement that it will be appropriating $12 billion to aid farmers impacted by current trade negotiations.
“It’s important that the White House has recognized the difficult position farmers are in due to ongoing trade negotiations. This temporary relief from new tariffs will be welcomed by farmers in Iowa and throughout the country, but what they really want are long term markets, not handouts.
“To help corn farmers, the Administration should announce its approval of E15 for year round sales. This technical correction will help farmers and lower the cost of Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) compliance for oil refineries by producing more Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) which are used to ensure biofuels are being blended into our nation’s fuel supply.
“News today of a preliminary bilateral agreement with Mexico is encouraging, and shows that the President is working to follow through on his commitment to farmers. As trade negotiations move forward, I’ll continue working with the President and his administration to find solutions that will ensure our nation’s farmers have access to the markets they need to succeed.”
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