President Joe Biden visited an Illinois farm Wednesday to announce several measures for U.S. farmers following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as plans to offset the rising costs of farm fertilizer.
The first measure would double funding for domestic fertilizer production. President Biden says he is increasing his initial $250 million investment in domestic fertilizer production to $500 million to lower costs and increase the supply for farmers.
The second measure would increase the number of counties eligible for double cropping insurance. The Biden administration is seeking to expand insurance for double cropping to as many as 681 additional counties, bringing the total number of counties where this practice qualifies for crop insurance to as many as 1,935, so more American farmers have the financial security to start or expand double cropping.
The third measure would cut costs for farmers by increasing technical assistance for technology-driven precision agriculture and other nutrient management tools.
“The real reason I’m here is to thank American farmers, thank farmers, you feed America, you get us through, you got us through a pandemic, and you’re literally the backbone of our country, it’s not hyperbole, but you’re also feed the world. And we’re seeing with Putin’s war in Ukraine, you’re like the backbone of freedom,” said President Biden, who spoke from a farm in Kankakee, Illinois on Wednesday.
Source: NAFB
