Updated March 27, 2026, 2:04 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump gathered hundreds of farmers on the South Lawn of the White House to tout policies aimed at helping an agriculture industry that has been squeezed by tariffs and the Iran war.
Trump highlighted an increase in renewable fuels derived from agriculture products, new guidance on farm equipment regulation and enhanced loan guarantees for agriculture producers to a crowd of more than 800 sprinkled with cowboy hats, with red, green and gold tractors positioned around the March 27 gathering.
Between marveling at the “beautiful” gold tractor – “somebody had me in mind,” Trump said of the machine – the president declared “we love the American farmer” and bashed environmentalists as “terrorists.” His administration’s new guidance on farm equipment targets an environmental measure aimed at limiting diesel emissions.
Trump sought to bolster support for the agriculture industry at a time when farmers are struggling with the impact of trade policies and the war, which is affecting fuel and fertilizer costs.
Among the policies Trump promoted is an update to the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 that increases the volume of U.S. biofuels required to be blended in gasoline and diesel. It could help boost demand for farm products.
“It’ll come right out of the farms,” the president said.
Trump also highlighted new EPA guidelines that involve manufacturers of diesel vehicles switching to a different diesel exhaust fluid sensor, a shift the White House said will save billions and address concerns about sensors affecting vehicle operation.
The sensors detect when the exhaust fluid, added to prevent harmful emissions, is low. Trump complained that the system adds to the cost of farm equipment and “the tractor will turn off if the environmental equipment isn’t working.”
The sensors can cause equipment to slow or stop if fluid is low or they aren’t working properly.
Additionally, the president unveiled an enhanced SBA loan guarantee program for small businesses in the agriculture industry, increasing the government loan guarantee from 75% to 90%.
In December, Trump announced a $12 billion federal assistance package for farmers. The Iran war has since compounded the problems facing an agriculture industry battered by tariffs.
The military conflict is blocking the flow of oil and natural gas and impacting the availability of fertilizers derived from those products, according to industry groups. Gasoline and diesel prices also have increased.
Contributing: Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register
