Sunflower Industry Good with Reconciliation Bill

John Sandbakken, National Sunflower Association, executive director, says that the reconciliation bill is good for the sunflower industry.

“We spent a lot of time on was when Congress was working on the big, beautiful bill. The provisions in there for the farm bill have just been, you know, phenomenal for our producers. We got higher reference prices, better crop insurance coverage. Loan rates were increased. They could be able to add some acres to their base acres. So we worked really hard on that. And, you know, was just really thankful to see all that come to fruition. Because honestly, you know, the way the farm bill is have was progressing. I mean, it was going to be difficult to get something through Congress. So, you know, we're always cognizant of conservation programs. We want to make sure that they're focused more on working lands than on retiring land, you know. But other than that, I mean, our main objectives were achieved.”

Sandbakken says the association has shifted its focus to Tariffs and Trade, particularly with Canada.

“Right now, there is a tariff on oil of 25% moving into Canada, but I'm not certain if that's going to change now, since we've ramped up to 35% on Canadian products, I've not seen any change on that, but that would be concerning. The bulk of our market is here in the US.”

However, he says Canada is a key player when it comes to sunflower exports, and so is Mexico.