Farmers bear brunt of government shutdown as political gridlock prioritizes migration over agriculture – NaturalNews.com

• The Democratic-led government shutdown suspended critical USDA programs, leaving farmers without disaster relief, conservation support, and loan processing.
• Republicans accuse Democrats of prioritizing taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants over helping struggling agricultural producers.
• Payments for drought, wildfire and hurricane recovery programs have been frozen, exacerbating financial pressures on rural communities.
• Trade disruptions, labor shortages and rising input costs are exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers who already face a difficult economic outlook.
• Experts warn that prolonged closures could deepen farm bankruptcies and disrupt food supply chains.

As the federal government shutdown enters its second week, American farmers — already struggling with low commodity prices and high operating costs — face growing uncertainty. the US Department of Agriculture The USDA has suspended key programs, frozen disaster relief payments, delayed loans, and halted conservation contracts. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders face accusations of prioritizing controversial policies such as expanding health care for illegal immigrants over partisan solutions to fund agricultural services.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for taking advantage of the shutdown to advance partisan agendas unrelated to the budget impasse. Johnson stressed that they are two completely separate issues, referring to Democratic proposals that include $1.5 trillion in new spending and benefits for illegal immigrants.

Agricultural programs stop working

The USDA’s emergency plan furloughed 42,256 employees, halting programs vital to rural economies:

• Disaster relief: Payments for drought, wildfires and hurricanes have been frozen under the Supplemental Disaster Assistance and Emergency Livestock Relief programs.
• Risk Management: Federal crop insurance processing and farm loan approvals are delayed, leaving producers without financial assurance.
• Conservation Efforts: Technical assistance for soil and water conservation projects has been halted, disrupting long-term sustainability plans.

Rep. Ronnie Jackson (R-TX) condemned the impact of the shutdown, saying Democrats are “actively sabotaging America’s farmers” while diverting resources to “anti-American priorities.”

A perfect storm for farming

The closure exacerbates existing crises in the agricultural sector:

• Trade problems: China’s retaliatory tariffs have reduced soybean exports, with no orders placed for the upcoming harvest season.
• Labor shortage: Stricter immigration enforcement has reduced the number of seasonal farm workers, delaying planting and harvesting.
• Input costs: Fertilizer and fuel prices remain high, putting pressure on profit margins amid falling crop prices.

John Boyd of the National Black Farmers Association called the situation “the worst agricultural crisis in my lifetime,” noting that small operators lack alternatives to federal aid.

Lockdowns and food security

Previous government lockdowns have disproportionately hurt agriculture, exposing vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. The 2013 expiration delayed farm loans and conservation payments by 16 days, straining rural economies. The 2018-19 lockdown deprived farmers of crucial Market Facilitation Program funds during the US-China trade war, exacerbating financial instability. The current standoff threatens similar disruptions, with longer-term consequences for food supply chains and rural economies.

The economic effects of government shutdowns will persist, and federal bailouts will not be able to fully mitigate the damage. Future lockdowns could lead to a severe collapse in the supply chain, as we saw when meat processing plants and agricultural facilities were forced to close. At the same time, advances in agricultural technology – such as precision agriculture – are helping farmers boost their yields, improve water use, and reduce pesticide waste. However, food security remains a critical concern, especially with the looming threat of renewed lockdowns. Without stable policy and sustained financing, farmers face increasing challenges in maintaining production, threatening local food availability and global export markets.

The way forward

With negotiations faltering, farmers are bracing for extended uncertainty. Republicans are urging Democrats to pass a “clean” funding bill to restore USDA operations, while the White House defends its push for broader policy reforms. Agricultural economists warn that a prolonged delay could accelerate farm closures — already at their highest levels in a decade — and destabilize rural communities.

As political battles rage in Washington, American farmers remain caught in the crossfire, their livelihoods held hostage by lockdowns with no end in sight.

A call to prioritize the heart

The lockdown’s toll on agriculture highlights a stark divide: While policymakers debate health care and immigration, the backbone of the country’s food supply faces collapse. Without rapid action, the fallout – from rising food prices to irreversible agricultural losses – will extend far beyond rural America. For farmers, the message is clear: political gridlock is a luxury they can no longer afford.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

House.gov

Newsweek.com