There is no NEW Republican Party platform for the 2020 presidential campaign.  

This much we can infer from the following written statement coming from the convention: “Resolved, That the Republican National Convention Will Adjourn Without Adopting A New Platform Until the 2024 Republican National Convention.”  

The Republicans instead renewed and adopted the 2016 Platform. The 2016 Republican Platform would not surprise any of the readers regarding agriculture. Even though the 2020 Democrat Platform never mentions agriculture, the Republican Platform has 6 sections; the third one in 2016, as adopted in 2020, is entitled “America’s Natural Resources: Agriculture, Energy, and the Environment”. For a refresher on Trump’s 2016 ag campaign promises, go here.

The 2016 Platform discusses first the rebuilding of the economy and creating jobs. On page 17 of the 2016 Platform now adopted for 2020 it states “We look in vain within the Democrat party for leaders who will speak for the people of agriculture…”

The Republican Platform puts agriculture and its production might in exports as “…central to the Republican agenda for jobs, growth, expanded trade, and prosperity.” After a paragraph discussion on how U.S. agriculture is the largest exporter in the world, the Platform suggests agricultural exports generates another $1.27 in business activity. The Republicans also insist that “…our global trading partners adhere to science-based standards with regard to food and health regulations.”

Related:Little for farmers in Democrat presidential platform

Bogus science

The Republican Platform makes it abundantly clear the U.S. will no longer tolerate “…the use of bogus science and scare tactics to bar products from foreign markets, nor will we allow insufficient health and safety standards for products imported for our consumption.”

It is clear from the team appointed by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (such as Steve Censky, Bill Northey, Greg Ibach, Ted McKinney and Scott Hutchins) took this commitment to heart. Even in 2016, and again in 2020 the Republican Platform recognizes the problem our dairy producers face. The President and his team worked hard to stop Canadian policies which harmed American dairy producers.

Regulatory burdens

The 2016 and now 2020 Platform did not overlook the regulatory burdens imposed by EPA and USDA on America’s farmers. The Platform makes it clear “This regulatory impulse must be curbed, not on a case-by-case basis, but through a fundamental restructuring of the regulatory process.” The Platform goes on to detail the attack by EPA regarding water found on farms and ranches. The Platform is critical of the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) Rule and called it a “travesty”.

Related:Final Democrat platform does not improve with age

The Platform for 2016 and 2020 states that unelected bureaucrats must be stopped. In fact, it is stated “We must never allow federal agencies to seize control of state waters, watersheds, or groundwater.” Because the President of the United States has implemented this section of the 2016 campaign, it could have been left out of the 2020 Platform.

The Platform of 2016 also addressed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is stated that the Democrat administration removed nearly all of the work requirements for able-bodied adults. Republicans said they would restore these able-bodied adult provisions and have attempted to do so.

Forest health

The Platform says that USDA’s National Forests are worsening in health. Republicans in 2016 and 2020 state they will attempt to properly manage the forests and produce more jobs in the timber industry.  Notwithstanding the California wildfires, the Republicans say they believe “…in promotive active, sustainable management of our forests…”

The Republicans could do little in 2020 to improve upon on what they said in 2016. It is no wonder they decided to copy in 2020 what was said in 2016 for agriculture. Republicans made agriculture a priority in 2016 and again in 2020!  Not so for Democrats!

Note: Gary Baise organized President Trump’s agricultural team of advisers.

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.