Kyle Martínez
The Trump administration’s actions have directly impacted the American farmer and have caused growers to lose equity at rates comparable to the crash in the 1980s. When the American farmer struggles, so do our rural economies. Vice President Biden understands this hard truth and has built a strategic plan, with specific details, for supporting our producers, while uplifting current and future generations of farmers.
As president, he will pursue a rural economic development strategy that partners with rural communities to invest in their unique assets, pursue a trade policy that works for the American farmer, foster the development of regional food systems, and partnering with farmers to achieve net-zero emissions while giving farmers new sources of income in the process.
As the average age of growers continues to increase, we need policies that enable generations of farmers the opportunity to achieve success. Our population continues to diversify, and our ability to cultivate and strengthen minority producers is more critical today than ever before.
American farmers have proven to be nimble and have adjusted to a continued stagnation of commodity prices. The Trump Administration has only compounded this issue through their actions with our global trading partners. Our growers rely on strong export markets to improve their ability to ship and receive fair prices for their crops. Vice President Biden’s approach to international relations will enhance our relationships with our global trading partners and lead to stabilized rates for our agriculture industry.
When my dad was growing up in Western Colorado, he and his family made a modest living by doing the most challenging jobs on area farms. Instead of playing like most young children, my dad spent his time weeding onions, clipping onions, weeding other crops, and other back-straining tasks. Today, I am fortunate enough to own some of the same farm ground that was labored by my dad and his family as children through the help of a Direct-Ownership New Farmer Loan.
When my dad was growing up in Western Colorado, he and his family made a modest living by doing the most challenging jobs on area farms. Instead of playing like most young children, my dad spent his time weeding onions, clipping onions, weeding other crops, and other back-straining tasks. Today, I am fortunate enough to own some of the same farm ground that was labored by my dad and his family as children through the help of a Direct-Ownership New Farmer Loan. This opportunity must be available to more minority producers in the United States. Joe will take steps to help minority farmers start and expand farms, including by increasing funding for farm ownership and operating loans that help beginning farmers. Also, establish a Farmland Trust to support new farmers from underrepresented low-income communities to find, purchase, and succeed on farmland.
Joe Biden understands the importance of raising the next generation of American farmers and giving them the tools and support needed to be successful.
The price paid by the American farmer for the actions of the Trump Administration is not sustainable, and the continuation of these policies will only lead to further bankruptcies in rural economies that rely on agriculture to survive. Voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gives the American farmer hope for success. Through their commitment to agriculture, we can build a more robust rural economy that supports all of our producers, regardless of their background.
Kyle Martínez is the CEO of Touch Care Hospice, the son of Colorado farmers and an advocate for American farmers, who also sits on the Delta-Montrose Electric Association Board of Directors.
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