March 29, 2021

AFBF: COVID-19 aid released, expanded to include more US producers

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced on March 24 its plans to distribute more than US$12 billion under a programme called "Pandemic Assistance for Producers", which includes aid that had been put on hold as well as funds newly allocated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

The programme assists farmers and ranchers who previously did not qualify for COVID-19 aid and expands assistance to farmers helped by existing programmes. Farmers will need to sign-up only if they are applying for new programmes or if they are eligible for CFAP assistance and did not previously apply.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack shared details of the new plan during a virtual meeting with state Farm Bureau presidents and the American Farm Bureau leadership.

"We appreciate Secretary Vilsack's action to release funds and expand eligibility for farmers hit hard by the devastating effects of COVID-19," said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. "USDA's decision to distribute aid based upon previous applications will help deliver assistance quickly. It was good to hear directly from the secretary about this programme and his priorities going forward."

The funding includes US$6 billion to develop new programmes or modify existing proposals using remaining discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. USDA expects this to include funding for personal protective equipment (PPE), compensation to offset the pandemic's impact on biofuels, specialty crops and farmers forced to euthanise animals due to supply chain issues, among other uses.

Another US$5.6 billion will be directed to formula payments to cattle producers and eligible flat-rate or price trigger crops.

In addition, US$500 million in new funding is included for current programmes such as the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach Program, Local Agricultural Marketing Program, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills Program.

AFBF urges USDA to quickly accomplish the needed regulatory changes to deliver assistance to contract livestock and poultry growers who have yet to receive aid, despite specific authorisation from the US Congress.

- AFBF