President Joe Biden wants American farmers to ramp up production as food security is at stake because of the war in Ukraine. So this week he doubled the subsidy to $500 million for additional fertilizer production. He also encourages arable farmers in the US to sow a succession crop this year.
While predecessor Donald Trump was seen as the president of the American farmer, Biden has recently been presenting himself as one pro farmer. Prompted by the war in Ukraine, which has caused food prices to rise sharply. The White House speaks of a global price increase of 13%. By increasing food production in its own country, the US wants to take its responsibility in this regard.
This week, the president visited a farm in Illinois, flanked by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. On the way, in Air Force One, he turned to Vilsack: "Tom, double the subsidy premium for additional fertilizer production. It is desperately needed, we cannot take any risks now." Biden previously launched a $250 million subsidy program for this purpose.
'Breadbasket of democracy'
The availability of fertilizer is a priority for Biden, because according to him it is the key to additional food production. The president has an important role in mind for his country regarding world food production. According to Biden, farmers in the US are the breadbasket - or the bread basket in American terms - of democracy. In doing so, he takes a swipe at Russia, which, together with Ukraine, is also called the breadbasket of Europe.
In addition to the subsidy for fertilizer, the American government is calling for subsequent cultivation. This allows (grain) production to be increased without the need for additional land. The problem is at this point, because arable farmers in many counties with successive crops are now not eligible for the so-called 'Crop Insurance'. Biden therefore wants follow-up cultivation to be covered in 681 additional counties.