Trump ag committee outlines pro-farmer agenda in talking points

If the 64 members of Donald Trump’s agricultural advisory committee hold any sway, the New York City billionaire heads into his presidency with a pro-farmer agenda near and dear to many in the flyover states that elected him, according to campaign talking points obtained by the San Antonio Express-News. “You will have the government off your back and out of your pocket,” the document reads. “You will have a voice in how agricultural issues are addressed and you will have allies in the White House and the agencies that have influence on your business.” High on the group’s wish list are Supreme Court justices who will defend private property, water and mineral rights. The advisory panel also wants an Environmental Protection Agency administrator who understands “the complexity of agriculture and rural issues” as well as a farm bill “written by those who are thankful for our remarkable food system in this country,” according to the document. Exit polls show rural voters came out strong for Trump, whose appearances in heavy agricultural areas drew long lines of supporters. Sixty-two percent of rural voters turned out at the polls for the Republican last week, compared with 53 percent in 2008. The Trump appeal was most dramatic among rural voters in tiny communities far from urban centers, where 71 percent went for Trump, compared with 40 percent of voters in cities with a million or more people...more