The president announced more than $12 billion will be given to cotton farmers to offset the effects of tariffs the White House put in place. Steve Varett, vice president of Plains Cotton Growers, said it’s a much needed change.
“We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and we’re not going to get out of it overnight, but the farmers here… We appreciate the effort,” said Varett. “The government recognizes that there is going to be some growing pains, and they are trying to help out a bit.”
Lubbock and the South Plains region produce up to 60 percent of Texas cotton. Many of the growers producing it have been caught up in the latest trade disputes. Varett believes this tariff could secure a better trade deal for everyone.
“It’s really been music to the ears of most cotton farmers that I’ve talked to,” said Varett. “We finally have an administration willing to stand up and say you’ve been cheating, and we need you to get right with this deal.”
Without this payout, Varrett says, it’s possible that farmers wouldn’t be able to make ends meet.
“You know farmers have bills to pay,” said Varett. “And the fact that these tariffs are affecting different commodities to different levels, it can make a difference on whether or not they are going to be able to pay back their loans.”