The European Union, China and five other countries are criticizing President Trump’s Market Facilitation Program claiming it violates world trade rules. Specifically, the aid program could exceed the nation’s WTO subsidy commitments and influence U.S planting decisions. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says he noticed problems with MFP since its inception.

He says if MFP is challenged at the WTO, it could put that program in jeopardy. Sombke says he doesn’t think the President has farmers best interests at heart.

Sombke says he doesn’t think farmers can count on MFP or any other program the administration comes up with to assist farmers.

The European Union has questioned the timing and eligibility criteria of the MFP and whether the measures would quality as WTO permitted subsidies.