Policy Articles
Removing Payment Limits Could Lower COVID-19 Payments
Published April 24, 2020
It’s been one week since the USDA announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Since then, lawmakers and agricultural organizations are giving feedback before a rule is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget. One request from the agriculture sector…Another Economic Stimulus Package Being Discussed
Published April 24, 2020
Discussions on a fourth coronavirus stimulus package are underway. For agriculture, the big debate could be structuring more aid for the industry moving forward. "Some people will look at getting more funds for the Commodity Credit Corporation, others will prefer…Lawmaker Proposes More CCC Funding
Published April 24, 2020
Georgia Representative Austin Scott introduced legislation to provide $50 billion for the Commodity Credit Corporation. The legislation doesn't allow the imposition of payment limitations on COVID-related assistance. This is similar to a USDA request and a request earlier this year…Stabenow: USDA Can Address Payment Limits
Published April 24, 2020
Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow addressed concerns for the $125,000 payment limits for direct payments in the USDA’s COVID-19 relief package. "Given the circumstances, the USDA has flexibility to address that. They did that in the Market Facilitation…Commodity Purchases Designed to Move Farm Products
Published April 24, 2020
The USDA’s coronavirus assistance program includes $3 billion in commodity purchases for emergency food aid programs. A total of $100 million per month will be invested each for meat products, dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables. Pre-approved food boxes…Poppe: 200,000+ Pigs May Need to be Euthanized
Published April 24, 2020
Worker safety takes precedence as the meatpacking industry deals with the COVID-19 crisis. Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chair Jeanne Poppe says the food supply chain also needs to operate. With the closure of major packing facilities, Poppe says hog farmers…MFU Minute
Published April 23, 2020
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Minnesota Farmers Union is gathering feedback from its members. MFU President has more in this edition of the MFU Minute.New Coronavirus Package Replenishes Paycheck Protection Program
Published April 23, 2020
President Trump signed a $484 billion coronavirus aid package. The legislation replenishes $310 billion for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. The package also allows farmers to be eligible for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and…Peterson Asks White House to Help U.S. Pork Industry
Published April 23, 2020
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson sent a letter to the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Thursday. In the letter, Peterson asked the task force to address challenges facing the U.S. pork industry. Peterson also asked Vice President Mike…