Information to Help You Decide

From the Publisher: Dennis Sun

We are getting close to the general election on Nov. 5, and the presidential candidates are busy trying to garner all of the votes they can.

For over 40 years, the American Farm Bureau Federation has sent each of the presidential candidates questions pertaining to agriculture. They are good questions, and I believe our readers could gain some value from them. I would encourage everyone to get online and read the full responses.

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump responded to the questions. Harris’ campaign chair and manager responded by sending back a four-page letter, while Trump responded to each question individually. Both sent back adequate answers.

When asked, “As president, what investments and/or policies they will support to ensure the resiliency of our food system and the American farmers who make it work,” Harris’campaign answered, “She has invested in rural America so future generations can keep farming and rural Americans can find opportunities right in their hometown.”  

Trump answered, “I am proud to be the most pro-farmer president ever. To bring economic relief to farmers, I commit to lowering energy bills by one-half in the first year. I will also use tariffs, tax cuts and other incentives to bring critical supply chains back home to the U.S., ensure national security and economic stability and expand overseas markets for U.S. agricultural goods.”

The survey asked, “As president, how would you fix the broken Endangered Species Act and what role would you assign America’s landowners?” 

Harris’ team said, “She is committed to preserving biodiversity across our nation. She believes conservation hinges on cooperative initiates which consider all Americans.”

Trump said, “More threatened and endangered species have been delisted and are thriving as a result of the voluntary, locally-led and incentive-based conservation programs which were a part of the 2018 Farm Bill I signed into law.”

The survey also asked, “As president, what policies would you support to ensure the continued success of multiple use for federal lands?”

Harris’ team answered, “She believes the federal government should work with Americans, including farmers and ranchers, to manage the care, enjoyment, use and conservation of American’s public lands and waters.” 

Trump said, “As president, I ended the last administration’s federal land grab. The federal government does not have unlimited power to lock up millions of acres of land and water. I believe states, communities and private landowners know best how to best manage their own resources.”

Again, please take some time to read through the entirety of these survey response questions before hitting the voting booth in November.