U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that USDA will be providing $19 billion in assistance for farmers and ranchers hurting from challenging market conditions due to the Coronavirus pandemic through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Part of the funding will go to help Montana’s cattle producers who have seen a drastic decline in cattle markets during the pandemic. This follows Daines’ request earlier this month to USDA Secretary Perdue urging immediate action for Montana’s ranchers.
“Montana farmers and ranchers drive our economy and feed not only America, but the world,” Daines said. “During this Coronavirus pandemic, the hardworking folks of our ag industry need immediate relief. I am glad Secretary Perdue acted on my request to immediately get our cattle producers and Montana ag the relief I fought to secure in the Coronavirus Economic Recovery Package.”
CFAP will provide:
•$16 billion in direct support for farmers and ranchers based on actual losses for agricultural producers impacted by lost demand and oversupply due to the pandemic in 2020.
•$3 billion in purchases of meat, dairy, and fresh produce to be distributed to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other relief programs.
Daines worked hard to ensure the CARES Act replenished the Commodity Credit Corporation and appropriated an additional $9.5 billion for USDA to assist producers, including livestock producers, throughout this crisis.