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Brad Finstad: new farmer aid could reach $20 billion

A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says another round of farmer aid could total $15 to $20 billion.

Minnesota Republican Brad Finstad calls the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments being distributed now a “band aid” as farmers deal with low commodity prices and high input costs.

“Obviously it’s not going to fix everything, so there is a need for us in Congress to have this conversation. I know there’s some dollar amounts already being talked about in regards to maybe $15 to $20 billion of new bridge assistance-type payments.”

He tells Brownfield farmers also need longer-term solutions.

“We’ve got to work on growing demand, growing our markets. Creating more opportunities, whether that’s through trade (or) domestic energy. And then also making sure that we’re keeping laser-focused on that input side. But that conversation is happening right now.”

Finstad says additional farmer assistance could be included in a supplemental defense spending package that’s moving through Congress.