An interesting article that compares how a potential Kamala Harris or Donald Trump presidency could influence American agriculture, food security, and the broader landscape for farmers, workers, and consumers.
Under a Harris administration, agricultural policies are expected to change little from those of the Biden administration. Harris has a history of focusing on food security, humane farming practices, and support for low-income families.
Her past actions suggest she might be more active on consumer issues than Biden. During COVID-19, she advocated for thing such as expanding SNAP benefits & supporting food assistance programs, indicating a commitment to improving food security and aiding vulnerable populations. Harris is also supported by farm workers, with endorsements from unions appreciating her advocacy for worker protections and fair labor practices.
In contrast, a Trump presidency could bring significant economic and policy shifts. His proposed tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China, may spark retaliatory measures, driving up costs and causing uncertainty in the agricultural sector. To make up for export revenue lost to American farmers, Trump’s previous administration provided substantial bailouts ($32 billion) to offset the negative impacts of his trade war. Close examination suggests that these actions primarily benefited large agricultural conglomerates.
His immigration policies, which could lead to labor shortages, and attempts to cut SNAP benefits, signal a potential for higher food prices and decreased support for low-income families. Trump's proposed changes to the farm bill, aiming to divide it and reduce spending on farm-friendly programs, could further strain the agricultural sector, especially smaller farmers.
The potential wild cards in both scenarios include the selection of the Secretary of Agriculture, which could significantly influence the direction of agricultural policy. Harris might choose candidates with a balanced approach to business and farming interests, while Trump's picks could lean more towards aggressive, conservative policies.
The article suggest that overall, a Harris presidency promises continuity and a focus on consumer and worker protections, while a Trump presidency could bring economic volatility, with policies that may benefit larger players at the expense of smaller farmers and vulnerable populations.
Urban Agriculture Pioneer, Social Entrepreneur, Farmer and Educator
1yLaura Loescher and Mark Tilsen apropos of our recent conversations i thought i'd share.