Statement from NCFC President & CEO Duane Simpson on Supreme Court Ruling on IEEPA Tariffs

Washington, D.C. (February 20, 2026)-"America's farmers and cooperatives are operating in one of the most challenging farm economies in years, and USDA forecasts point to another difficult season ahead for row crop producers. According to USDA's Economic Research Service, input costs are expected to climb again in 2026, reaching record highs for many crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, cotton, rice, and peanuts.

"After substantial price increases over the past five years, tariffs on critical agricultural inputs have added to financial pressures at a time when margins are already razor thin.

"With President Trump's announcement that he is imposing temporary 10% tariffs under other authorities, we urge that the Administration exempt key agricultural inputs. The recent decision to pull back tariffs on certain fertilizer products-which NCFC and other ag groups had asked for-provided meaningful relief, and this ruling presents an opportunity for the president to build on that progress and reinforce his support for America's farmers. Policymakers should focus on lowering input costs, restoring certainty in supply chains, and strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in global markets."

About NCFC

Since 1929, NCFC has been the voice of America's farmer cooperatives. Our members are regional and national farmer cooperatives, which in turn consist of more than 1,600 local farmer cooperatives across the country. NCFC members also includes state and regional councils of cooperatives. Farmer cooperatives allow individual farmers the ability to own and lead organizations that are essential for continued competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets.

America's farmer-owned cooperatives provide a comprehensive array of services for their members. These diverse organizations handle, process and market virtually every type of agricultural commodity. They also provide farmers with access to infrastructure necessary to manufacture, distribute and sell a variety of farm inputs. Additionally, they provide credit and related financial services, including export financing.

Learn more at https://www.ncfc.org.

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