Abuse Of Agricultural Trade Aid Costs U.S. Taxpayers

In 2018, President Trump pledged $12 billion to provide direct aid to corn, cotton, dairy, hog, sorghum, soybean and wheat producers.

Through the Market Facilitation Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has administered this aid to provide short-term relief to producers who are feeling the effects of ongoing trade disputes with foreign governments.

However, a recent report from the Environmental Working Group highlights two major flaws:

1) Some farming operations are receiving excessive payments because they are taking advantage of loopholes, like having numerous absentee managers or...