Following up on his promise to reevaluate the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and identify gaps in funding, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced Wednesday that USDA plans to distribute additional financial assistance to those who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. USDA says the new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs, and also plans to begin the distribution of $4.5 billion for crop producers and $1.1 billion for cattle producers.
The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others.
Existing programs such as CFAP will fall within the new initiative and where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers, the agency says. USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. Upon President Joe Biden entering office, CFAP was part of a regulatory freeze and halted payments going out to farmers.
REPOSTED FROM FARMPROGRESS.COM – READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
In “Bridging the Water Finance Gap as Client Impacts Bite“, Scott highlights the urgent need to bridge the massive financial gap in water infrastructure and management. With increasing droughts, floods, and water scarcity, traditional funding models are proving insufficient.
The shrinking Colorado River poses a serious threat to U.S. agriculture, especially in areas like California’s Imperial Valley that depend on it for irrigation. With a 20% reduction in flow compared to the 20th century, the competition for water resources is intensifying, potentially impacting our nation’s food supply.
Root Agricultural Advisory
2670 S. Eagle Rd. Meridian ID 83642
(208) 753-2333 info@rootagadvisory.com
