Former Agricultural Leaders Warn of Potential Collapse in U.S. Agriculture
A group of 27 former leaders from major agricultural organizations, including the American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association, have issued a warning to Congress about a potential widespread collapse of American agriculture. The letter highlights the increase in farm bankruptcies, which rose by 55% in 2024 compared to 2023, and the historic agricultural trade deficit the U.S. is currently experiencing. The leaders argue that while the diagnosis of the problem is accurate, the proposed solutions, such as rolling back tariffs and securing new trade agreements, fail to address the structural issues within the agricultural system. They emphasize the need for a shift towards regenerative agriculture, which includes practices like diverse rotations and reduced tillage, to build resilience against economic and climate-related shocks.