Vangie Williams Statement on Farm Aid Plan

July 27, 2018

Contact: Sheri Shannon, [email protected]

King George, VA. – Democratic candidate Vangie Williams (VA-01) released this statement on the proposed $12 billion emergency farm aid plan:

“The $12 billion aid package designed to help farmers facing imposed tariffs from global trade partners is a short-term solution created in response to reckless trade policies created by the current Administration. The imposed levies on U.S. products from China, Mexico, Canada and other countries is a response to an escalating trade war that will have long-term consequences for small business owners around the country.

“Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, bringing in $70 billion annually and providing more than 334,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Soybeans are the third-highest grossing crop in Virginia and the number one agricultural export to China. Instability in the market has caused market prices to drop 20 percent, affecting the bottom line of growers. Political decisions have real consequences for everyday people.

“Farmers want to make a living by selling their products at fair prices. If Rep. Rob Wittman and his colleagues believe that food security is national security, then he will oppose measures that put family farmers who live in the 1^st District at risk.

“We have to bring our trading partners back to the table so our farmers aren’t negatively affected in the long term. This requires market stability and an assurance that our trade partners won’t take their business to other countries. If we want pro-growth economic policies, we must work in a bipartisan manner to have fair and free trade agreements.”