Some money previously frozen when President Trump took office will soon be released. USDA says it centers around conservation.
The money was tied up while officials reviewed spending from the Inflation Reduction Act. In a release, the Department says Secretary Rollins will release around $20 million already promised to farmers and ranchers. It centers around several conservation programs, like the Conservation Stewardship Program.
Rollins says they will honor those commitments to ensure American producers have the tools they need to remain competitive.
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Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
Farmers are struggling with low commodity prices and skyrocketing input costs, resulting in debt that is outpacing income across the sector, according to the USDA’s new farm income forecast.
