The American farm economy is currently facing significant challenges. Over the past four years, farmers and ranchers have dealt with a lack of meaningful trade deals, burdensome regulations, and repeated natural disasters. In 2024, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit reached approximately $32 billion and is projected to increase to a record $49 billion in 2025.
Commodity prices have fallen sharply from near 30-year highs between 2022 and 2024, while input costs have surged by 30%. These economic indicators suggest that current policies do not prioritize or support American farmers.
In response, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) launched its "Farmers First Agenda" on April 16, 2025. This initiative aims to address these issues by driving rural prosperity, adjusting government policies, and generating responsible nutrition policy.
Before launching the agenda, AFPI surveyed over 170 individuals involved in agriculture across 37 states from both political parties. The survey revealed that "farmers want to see additional representation and more pro-farmer and pro-rural America policies in our Nation’s Capital."
According to the AFPI Farmer Opinion Study Results dated April 10, 2025:
- "Do you believe farmers’ interests are underrepresented in Washington, D.C.?": "83% of respondents said YES."
- "Do you support more pro-farmer, pro-rural America thought leadership in Washington, D.C.? Such thought leadership includes expanding rural prosperity by cutting red tape, passing pro-farmer tax reform, and finding greater export opportunities for agricultural products.": "86% of respondents said YES."
To address these concerns, AFPI has assembled a team of rural policy leaders with deep roots in American agriculture:
- Christie Mullin as Chair of Rural Policy
- Ambassador Kip Tom as Vice Chair of Rural Policy
- Sarah Frey as Senior Advisor for Rural Policy
- Tate Bennett as Director of Rural Policy
This team is committed to delivering policies that reflect the needs and values of America's farmers and ranchers—policies that aim to put rural America first.
Information from this article can be found here.
