While farmers and ranchers continue to produce our food and fiber, many are dealing with losses due to the coronavirus. So far, the federal government has put roughly $3 trillion dollars into the economy through recent packages.
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George says that we are still in the relief stage. She states, “We are focused on what can be done to shore up individuals and businesses so that...people can resume their activities and the economy and including their jobs.”
The USDA says that relief for farmers is close, through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Many want to know what the calculations will be-- per farm or per commodity.
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says that more details will come later today. Applications will be determined by documented losses, and the time is now to get those documents ready.
As these agencies work to help Americans, Congress already has another package on the table. The HEROES Act still needs to be taken up by the Senate. Lawmakers estimate the timetable on that could be two to three weeks.
President Trump will deliver remarks on supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and food supply chain live today at 11 AM EST.
For all updates on the Coronavirus and how it impacts Rural America, visit our Coronavirus outbreak hub.