Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke yesterday on the updated 2015 United States Farm Income Forecast, touching on issues including the negotiations of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the strength of the American agricultural industry and jobs in rural America.
“By the end of the year, I will have met with key leaders in those regions to promote the benefits of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and further negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, as well as expanded access in China," Vilsack said. "Expanded trade will help to drive higher commodity prices, additional farm income and agribusiness jobs that ultimately generate more cash flow in rural economies and support local businesses on Main Street.
"Thanks to its ability to remain competitive through thick and thin, American agriculture continues to enjoy some of the strongest years in our nation's history, supporting and creating good-paying American jobs for millions, and positioning the United States as a reliable supplier of high-quality goods for domestic and foreign markets alike. Overall, today's projections provide a snapshot of a rural America that continues to remain innovative, stable and resilient in the aftermath of the worst animal disease outbreak in our nation's history and as the western United States unloosens itself from the grip of historic drought.
"For example, today's projections indicate a rise in specialty crop receipts in 2015, while final farm income for 2014 was revised upward by $1.9 billion since August and $13.5 billion since February. Today's estimates also indicate that new 2014 Farm Bill safety net programs are working as intended and helping producers protect their operations from changes in the marketplace."
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