WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2021 – The farm income forecast and export data released today reflect a growing need to ramp up our focus on expanding existing markets to create new opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers at home and abroad. New market opportunities will ensure our producers are not so reliant on government support or the whims of a handful of trading partners. Ultimately, the data released today demonstrates growing export strength and a rebound in cash receipts for farmers—two positive stories owed largely to growing confidence in our economy. We need to build on that confidence moving forward by using the Department’s resources to invest in developing new income sources in local and regional food systems; to open competition and ensure fairer markets for producers of all sizes and backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and other farmers of color; and to put American farmers in the lead on climate solutions that create new streams of income while leading the world in sustainably produced food. All of these elements are necessary to create a more resilient food system and stronger rural economies built to withstand a pandemic or other future disruption.
