Texas corn farmers express need for Title 1 funds in light of current climate, trade disputes

Recently, Texas Corn Producers Association sent a letter to the members of the farm bill conference committee expressing a need to utilize tariff funds to enhance Title 1 of the bill.

The threat of economic losses from a protracted trade disruption—coupled with already troubling economic realities from continuing low commodity prices and severe, sustained weather issues—has the potential to force farmers to refinance their farms or even walk away from their livelihoods.

TCPA encouraged the conferees to dedicate additional tariff money, or other funds that can be accessed, to enhance Title 1 by raising the reference price for corn significantly to provide the level of support needed to prevent an economic catastrophe for corn farmers.

Structural limitations have hindered the title’s Agriculture Risk Coverage program from providing the level of protection it once did for corn farmers under the 2014 farm bill. Additionally, the reference price for corn within the Price Loss Coverage program was set too low to provide support for these farmers. As such, ARC nor PLC, as structured under the current bill, proved to be an effective safety net for many farmers in Texas—and other parts of the U.S.

TCPA expressed its appreciation to the committee for its efforts in finishing the new farm bill. Farmers need a bill that will keep U.S. agriculture and rural economies viable, and TCPA looks forward to the opportunity to work with committee members in getting this accomplished.