Dairy Tariffs Worsen Outlook for U.S. Family Farmers

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew has expressed concerns over the current trade disputes between the United States and Canada, particularly in relation to their impact on the dairy industry. In his statement, Larew emphasized that policymakers are focusing on U.S. trade policy without addressing core issues such as corporate consolidation and overproduction within the dairy sector.

"Policymakers are focused on U.S. trade policy without solving the underlying problems in the dairy industry—corporate consolidation and continued overproduction. Broad dairy tariffs don’t solve these problems; they destabilize the industry, drive up costs and create more uncertainty for American dairy farmers, processors and rural communities," Larew stated.

He highlighted that the number of U.S. dairy farms has drastically decreased by 84% since 1992, with current tariffs exacerbating the difficulties faced by family farmers. "The number of U.S. dairy farms has plummeted by 84% since 1992, and tariffs only add to the uncertainty, making it even harder for family farmers to stay in business," he noted, contrasting Canada’s dairy system which aims to secure fair pricing for farmers. Larew advocates for policies that would ensure similar fairness for U.S. dairy farmers.

Recognizing that family farmers are quick to bear the brunt of trade disputes, Larew expressed the Union’s willingness to collaborate with policymakers to establish meaningful reforms. "Family farmers are always the first to feel the impacts of a trade dispute. We look forward to working with policymakers on enacting forward-looking reforms that foster fair competition and profitable markets for all farmers," he concluded.