Why Are Virginia’s Farmers Paying the Price for Bad Trade Policy?
- Jena Crisler, Candidate, VA House District 35
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
When I see policy being used as a weapon against the backbone of our commonwealth, I speak up. Today, I want to talk about something no one should tolerate: the entirely avoidable economic crisis stomping on Virginia’s farmers — and how the Republican party, including Chris Runion, is complicit.
The Crisis in Plain Sight
Out in the fields of the Shenandoah Valley, the tractors roll — but the math doesn’t add up. > THE NEWS FEED <+2> THE NEWS FEED <+2
Costs are exploding for fertilizer, seed, diesel fuel. AGDAILY+3> THE NEWS FEED <+3Virginia Tech News+3
Tariffs bite upstream. Key ingredients like potash (which is largely imported from Canada) are now taxed, driving up expenses for farmers already living on tight margins. AGDAILY+4Virginia Tech News+4AGDAILY+4
Markets are collapsing. Retaliatory tariffs by other countries are slamming U.S. farm exports — especially soybeans, where China has pulled back dramatically in the over $1 billion export market.. > THE NEWS FEED <+3Virginia Business+3WHRO Public Media+3
Rural economies are unraveling. It’s not just the farms. Manufacturers are suffering from higher raw material costs and disrupted supply chains. > THE NEWS FEED <
Virginia’s agriculture — once contributing about $3 billion in 2024 — is deeply dependent on exports. > THE NEWS FEED <+1 Now, exports are down nearly 6%, in large part due to canceled orders and retaliatory trade moves. > THE NEWS FEED <
The result? Farms risk going under. Families are feeling lost. Debt is piling up. This is policy — made by people in power.
How Did We Get Here — And Who’s Responsible
This is not an accident. It’s a political choice.
Republicans like Chris Runion sit in the same party that sanctions trade policies that do this damage. He didn’t write the tariff plans in Washington, but he is part of the party that defends them.
Where is the accountability?
He serves on the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee in the Virginia House. Ballotpedia+2virginiageneralassembly.gov+2 As a politician representing rural Virginia, why hasn’t he spoken out more about these issues?.
He likes to point out that he grew up in farming. But heritage does not equal good policy. Right now, his farm legacy is being used as PR cover while farmers in the district and across the state suffer.
Meanwhile:
Republicans in Congress have pushed sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and more — which ripple back to impact fertilizer, machinery, and exported crops. Cardinal News+3Axios+3Dogwood+3
Tariffs on potash alone — a chemical essential for fertilizer — are hitting 10% (and threatening more) when we import 90% of our supply. Virginia Tech News+3Cardinal News+3Virginia Tech News+3
The administration’s retaliatory trade climate ensures former markets are closing, leaving farmers with inventory they can’t sell at a profit. Civil Eats+3Virginia Business+3WHRO Public Media+3
In short: they chose this, and they are letting it happen.
Virginia Farmers Deserve Better
I see you. I hear you. I know many of you are fighting to stay afloat, to keep the land in the family, to protect your legacy.
But you shouldn’t have to survive policy — policy should help you thrive.
What I believe and will fight for:
Relief and stabilization now. We need emergency support targeted to Virginia farmers — not bailouts for big agribusiness but support for the small, mid-sized operations that are at greatest risk.
Tariff reform and trade negotiation oversight. No more reckless tariffs. We must demand trade policy that protects rather than punishes our farmers.
State-level buffer mechanisms. Even when Washington fails, Virginia must stand ready with plans to ensure farms don’t go under.
Accountability from our representatives. Chris Runion must explain whether he supports these dangerous policies or plans to push back. Voters should demand clarity and courage.
Will You Help Me Fight?
If you believe, as I do, that the farmers who are the backbone of our community should not be sacrificed for abstract trade battles — then I need your help.
Share this message with your networks — particularly in rural areas, farm communities, local ag groups.
Stand with me: in policy debates and in campaign efforts — to ensure we never allow policy makers to gamble with farmers’ lives.
The soil beneath us is sacred. The hands that selflessly work it deserve respect, not ruin. I am not stepping away from this fight. I am doubling down.
— Jena
Dr. Jena Crisler, D.O.Candidate, Virginia House District 35