Reaction to CFAP announcement
There is plenty of reaction in the ag community to this week’s announcement of details surrounding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to American farmers and ranchers impacted by COVID-19.
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) applauded U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s announcement of the details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This program will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to American farmers and ranchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All too often, the work of our farmers is overlooked,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Bost. “But, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how essential they are – they continue showing up to work every day so that families have food to put on their tables. It's more important now than ever that we ensure our food supply chain is strong. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Perdue for their action so that farmers have a much-needed lifeline as they head into planting season.”
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement after President Trump and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published enrollment details for the Coronavirus Food Aid Program (CFAP):
“I appreciate President Trump’s announcement today emphasizing the Administration’s continued strong support of America’s farmers and ranchers through the COVID-19 pandemic. The $19 billion in aid will certainly help producers weather the storm for now, but had Democrats allowed for the full funding of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the support could have better met the critical needs in rural America. Congress has another opportunity to get this right. If that happens, the Administration can and must improve this package and deliver much needed additional support to our producers whose losses will far outstrip available assistance under CFAP.”
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications on May 26. Visit www.farmers.gov/cfap for more information on the program and to apply.
