Direct payments to U.S. farmers are at an all-time high as the nation prepares for a national election next month.
Record government subsidies, much needed in the turbulent trade environment and coronavirus pandemic, are projected to make up more than a third of farm income in 2020.
In a report by Reuters, the aid programs could be key to Donald Trump’s chances of success in swing states.
The Environmental Working Group called agriculture aid in the latest COVID-19 relief package “old-fashioned vote-buying.”
Farmers, facing steep losses stemming from Trump’s trade policies and COVID-19 related market disruption would argue the funds are needed.
