(NAFB.com) – Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II is criticizing current federal trade policy and aid for farmers, saying it falls short amid ongoing tariff-related market disruptions. Costello said the recently announced $12 billion “Farmer Bridge Assistance Program” is insufficient compared with a $23.1 billion package offered in response to trade disputes during the previous administration. “Tariffs are crushing farmers again,” Costello said, noting that steep tariffs on exported soybeans and other commodities have shrunk overseas markets and depressed prices. He also pointed to rising input costs tied to tariffs on fertilizer, machinery and other farm goods. Under the USDA program, about $11 billion is earmarked for row crop producers, with the remaining $1 billion for other commodities. Payments are based on acreage and estimated costs. Costello warned that long-term financial pressure could drive younger farmers out of the industry and undermine future agricultural production in Illinois.