FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Samantha Cave
NFFC Communications Coordinator
samantha@nffc.net
603-333-6281

Congress Must Act On Trade Justice in Wake of SCOTUS Decision on Tariffs

WASHINGTON, DC, FEBRUARY 24, 2026  – In the wake of the Supreme Court declaring most of President Trump’s tariffs unconstitutional, the National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) urges Congress to reassert its democratic authority over trade policy and ensure trade justice for small- to mid-sized farmers, ranchers, and fishers.

Since the start of his second term, the President has used tariffs as a strong-arming tactic of foreign policy rather than as a thoughtful tool of economic policy that can benefit family-scale farmers and the working class. This approach has evaporated entire markets that farmers depend on, increased the costs of inputs, and worsened the affordability crisis facing American consumers in the grocery aisle. NFFC welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision that these tariffs were unconstitutional, but the damage they have caused to family farmers, taxpayers and small businesses is already done.

It’s time for Congress to take back its authority to implement fair agricultural trade policies and to make its decisions based on democratic input from constituents and stakeholders. US trade policies must move beyond the decades-long export-oriented free trade regime and instead center market transparency and justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. These policies could even employ tariffs as a mechanism to revitalize the economy, support fair prices and wages for farmers and workers, and ensure food is accessible and affordable. 

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Since 1986, the National Family Farm Coalition has been mobilizing independent farmers, ranchers, and fisher people to achieve fair prices, vibrant communities, and nourishing food free of corporate domination. Today, NFFC’s 30 member groups span more than 40 states and represent family farmers, ranchers, and fishermen across the United States. To learn more, visit www.nffc.net