US Agriculture Secretary Acknowledges Farmer Anxiety Over Canada Trade Spat

Washington, DC: US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has acknowledged that American farmers and ranchers are feeling anxious about the escalating trade conflict with Canada, even as she expressed strong confidence in President Trump's approach to the negotiations.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Rollins said there is "no doubt" that the situation is causing concern among agricultural producers, citing the "lot of unknowns" surrounding the current trade environment. However, she urged patience and trust in the President, whom she described as the "ultimate negotiator."

Rollins pointed to the President's track record, noting that past decisions in the trade realm, which were initially doubted, have ultimately worked out. She highlighted the administration's focus on agriculture, stating that farmers and ranchers have been at the top of the list in the 20 new trade deals signed, covering commodities like soybeans, cotton, beef, and dairy.

The Secretary's remarks came shortly after Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of American goods, a direct response to new US tariffs on a similar value of Canadian imports, including dairy products.

Rollins specifically addressed the dairy sector, criticizing Canada's tariff practices, which she said can sometimes reach 200 to 300 percent on US milk and dairy products. She argued that the treatment of American dairy farmers under existing agreements is no longer acceptable.

Despite the current tensions, Rollins said she believes strongly that once the next round of negotiations concludes, America will be better off and that farmers and ranchers will benefit the most. She praised the President for being willing to "stand up and make the hard decisions" on trade.