Trump and Harris Present Diverging Visions for U.S. Agriculture Ahead of 2024 Election

Trade Policies: Tariffs vs. Diplomacy Trump reiterated his commitment to using aggressive trade tactics, including tariffs, to protect American farmers. He emphasized the $28 billion in relief payments issued during his administration in response to the U.S.-China trade war and proposed tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese imports to combat "unfair trade practices."

Harris, however, advocated for a more diplomatic approach to trade. She emphasized fostering fair competition and expanding market access abroad without relying on heavy tariffs. Harris’s campaign noted that, as president, she would also stand firm against unfair trade practices but seek to build partnerships to boost U.S. agricultural exports.

Labor and Immigration Reform: A Diverging Path One of the most significant differences between the two candidates lies in their positions on immigration and farm labor. Harris supports comprehensive immigration reform, including an earned pathway to citizenship for farmworkers and an expansion of the H-2A visa program to address labor shortages. This aligns with the AFBF’s call to increase access to legal labor for the agriculture sector.

Trump, in contrast, favors a more restrictive approach to immigration. He proposed reducing reliance on foreign labor by prioritizing domestic workers and enforcing stricter immigration controls. Trump's plan centers on rebuilding the U.S. workforce and overhauling agricultural labor systems to focus on American labor rather than foreign-born workers.

Farm Policy and Regulation On farm policy, Trump highlighted his plans to strengthen federal programs like crop insurance and dairy margin coverage while opposing state-level regulations, such as California's Proposition 12. He pledged to use federal power to block state laws that, in his view, interfere with interstate commerce and harm farmers in other states.

Harris, by contrast, is focused on reforming existing systems and addressing corporate consolidation in agriculture. She supports expanding crop insurance and investing in rural infrastructure to modernize farming operations. Her policies, which align closely with the Biden administration, emphasize building sustainable farming practices and improving energy efficiency in rural areas.

Tax Policy and Sustainability On tax policy, Trump defended the tax cuts enacted during his presidency, especially the elimination of the estate tax, which he claimed helped family farms. He pledged to make these cuts permanent. Harris, however, criticized Trump’s tax policies, arguing that they disproportionately benefited wealthy individuals and corporations. She pledged not to raise taxes on those earning under $400,000 while promoting a fairer tax system for the broader economy.

In terms of sustainability, Harris emphasized climate-smart agriculture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Her campaign pointed to the Biden administration's investments in green energy and the modernization of farm equipment as ways to ensure long-term sustainability. Trump, on the other hand, downplayed the climate aspect, instead focusing on reducing regulatory burdens and promoting agricultural innovation through technology.

A Defining Choice for American Farmers With two vastly different approaches, American farmers face a crucial decision. Trump’s policies center on deregulation, aggressive trade actions, and tax cuts, while Harris’s focus is on immigration reform, sustainability, and investment in rural infrastructure. The outcome of the election will shape the future of U.S. agriculture, determining which strategy will guide the nation's farmers through the next decade and beyond.