Ahead of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day,’ USDA Secretary Talks Trade, Tariffs, and Potential Farmer Compensation

On March 31, two days before President Trump’s “Liberation Day,” when he is expected to announce reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins made her first official visit to Iowa. The impending tariffs and the impact on farmers were key topics that came up repeatedly as the new secretary made her way across the No. 1 state for corn, hogs, eggs, and ethanol production and No. 2 for soybeans.

“President Trump’s plan focuses on balanced trade deals, increased market access for U.S. exports, addressing unfair trade barriers, holding bad actors accountable, and increasing the strength of America with a level playing field,” Rollins said. “You want more access to our markets across the world, and where we already have that access, we need to make sure that you are treated fairly.”

Tariffs, Compensation

Rollins acknowledged that commodities, like corn and soybeans, are often trade war targets. “We are aware of the challenges that farmers and ranchers face from countries such as China when they respond to these tariffs with retaliatory tariffs on our agriculture,” she said, adding that it’s too soon for the administration to determine if farmers will need financial compensation.

“Last time, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, through some mechanisms at the USDA, was able to ensure that many of our farmers were made whole through those negotiations,” Rollins said. “We plan to do the same thing the next time. As soon as we fully understand the consequences of these new negotiations, we’ll have more announcements.”

From 2018–2019, during Trump’s first administration, U.S. ag export losses due to retaliatory tariffs totaled more than $27 billion, according to the USDA. In response, the USDA distributed $23 billion through the Market Facilitation Program.

Iowa Tour

During her day in Iowa, Rollins toured Elite Octane’s ethanol production facility, the Manning Farm’s hog and row-crop operation, and Beck’s Hybrids. She wrapped up her day by keynoting the Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner. 

“This is the heartland,” she said at the Manning Farm in Waukee. “I’m so honored to be in Iowa. I’ve had the greatest reception talking to and meeting and hearing the issues from our real farmers who are farming the land every single day.” 

Rollins was joined by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Senator Joni Ernst, Representative Zach Nunn, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. 

New Market Access

On March 28, three days before her Iowa tour, Rollins announced her plans to visit six international markets in her first six months as secretary to expand markets and boost ag exports. She plans to visit India, Brazil, Japan, Vietnam, Peru, and the United Kingdom.

In a USDA press release, the reasons cited for those specific countries included:

• India: The U.S. is India’s sixth-largest supplier of ag products and the U.S. has a $1.3 billion trade deficit with India.
• Brazil: The U.S. has a $7 billion trade deficit.
• Japan: Japan is a top-five market for many U.S. commodities, including corn, beef, pork, wheat, rice, and soybeans. However, the U.S. faces competition from many other countries in these markets.

“I will be traveling to those three countries [India, Brazil, Japan] and more to get a fair deal for the American family farmer,” Rollins said. “And to reassert what this great country has to offer as we adjust our current trade agreements to make sure they benefit American farmers.”

Biofuel Infrastructure

At Elite Octane’s ethanol plant in Atlantic, Iowa, Rollins announced the release of $537 million for 543 biofuel infrastructure projects in 29 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. “These projects will provide the crucial and critical infrastructure needed to support the increased capacity for higher biofuel blends,” she said. “President Trump has promised to unleash American energy and biofuels are a crucial piece of the puzzle for lowering gas prices.

“USDA is aggressively exploring ways to unleash American energy and to incentivize the production and use of homegrown U.S. biofuels,” she continued. “That includes working alongside my friends at the EPA to develop the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO). RVOs support the biofuel industry, as well as supporting EPAs review of any potential emergency waivers on fuel to allow the nationwide year-round sale of E15.”

Farm Bill, Foreign Land Ownership, USDA Reports

Rollins also touched on several hot button topics for farmers. 

On March 19, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reinstated the July Cattle report and county estimates for crops and livestock, which were discontinued in 2024. “We heard you,” Rollins said, continuing, “That you rely on [these reports] to provide important data needed to make decisions about your operations, so we reinstated those necessary reports.”

On the farm bill, she said, “I’m committed to work with Congress to finally get a new farm bill across the finish line this year.”

Rollins outlined the USDA’s focus on foreign land ownership. “The USDA has our eye on the 350,000 acres of American farmland controlled by Chinese-owned companies,” she said. “President Trump is the best promoter of foreign direct investment when it benefits our people. But the shocking amount of American land owned by one of our biggest threats and competitors, threatens our national security and our potential for future economic prosperity.”