We have received word from the Hardwood Federation that the Trump Administration is preparing to announce another round of Agricultural aid to farmers, ranchers, and others hurt by the trade war with China. The announcement of this aid package could come as soon as Thursday May 23rd and could exceed $15 billion according to those familiar with the plan. This aid is largely modeled after the first agricultural bailout last year after the announcement of the retaliatory tariffs. While soybeans, wheat, and corn are almost guaranteed to be included in the relief package, other commodities will also receive payments. The Hardwood Federation has sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that hardwoods be added to this list. Now it is your turn to weigh in as well.
Please use the link below to send a letter to your Representative and Senators asking that Secretary Perdue include the hardwood industry in this proposed relief package. There is a box for you to include information about your operations and how the trade war has affected your business using specific economic and labor numbers if you like.
Domestic mills have suffered sharp sales declines of export sales, lost jobs and even completely closed operations – impacts felt up and down the supply chain. The domestic hardwood products industry in the US directly supports more than 685,000 jobs in 25,000 facilities generating $136 billion in annual income and related industries tied to the supply chain support an additional 1.1 million jobs and add $212 billion to the economy. For every $1 million in output of hardwood products, 5.3 jobs are created.
Thank you.
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