ASSOCIATED PRESS
BILLINGS – Data indicates federal subsidies distributed to Montana farmers to offset losses resulting from U.S. trade wars have increased to more than $114 million.
The “Billings
Gazette” reports subsidies issued in October pushed the value of 2019 payments
to about $92.4 million, while the state received about $22.1 million in 2018
subsidies.
The Market
Facilitation Program payment data was compiled by advocacy organization
Environmental Working Group.
The
subsidies are intended to soften the financial impact on U.S. farmers due to
trade conflicts with China, Europe, India and Japan.
The
Environmental Working Group ranks Montana 23rd in the nation for
federal farm subsidies received.
Officials
say wheat subsidies of $25.5 million were Montana’s largest category of
federal relief.
The group
says states receiving the most money are located in the Midwest.
