The president also touted gains for the US economy and trade relationships, yet made no mention of the dire economic conditions currently facing American farmers and ranchers.

In a response to the President’s address, National Farmers Union Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew issued the following statement:

“The President’s remarks tonight failed to recognise the harsh realities facing American farm and ranch families.

“The reality is that the downward trend in the farm economy has only worsened over the last two years, leaving many farmers and ranchers in significant financial stress. The reality is that once-stable markets for US farm products are now being lost to our competitors. And the reality is that the current downward pressure on farm prices as a result of lost markets will continue for years to come. To tout progress with China or USMCA as a win is misleading – you can’t dig a ten-foot hole, fill it up with a foot of dirt and call that a win.

“If the president truly wants to support American farm families, he will begin to restore our reputation around the world as a reliable trading partner. He will reassert American leadership in the international trade arena, rather than straining relationships with our top trading partners. And he will back up his calls for bipartisanship by working with Congress to ensure farm families can succeed with fair and stable markets for their goods.”