The USDA is monitoring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on commodity markets and evaluating the authority it received from Congress to distribute billions of dollars in aid to farmers and ranchers, said a spokesperson on Monday.
Lawmakers earmarked $23.5 billion for possible disbursement to crop and livestock producers in the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package and some ag sectors, stung by a slump in market prices, want the money to flow quickly.
“USDA is actively monitoring all agriculture commodity markets during the COVID-19 National Emergency,” said the spokesperson when asked when aid would be disbursed and in what form. “The U.S. food supply chain remains safe and secure and we are committed to ensuring America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers get through this pandemic. We are swiftly evaluating the authorities granted under the CARES Act and will leverage our programs to alleviate disruption as necessary.”
The coronavirus bill gave $14 billion to a USDA agency with broad powers to support farm income and commodity prices and $9.5 billion for Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus by providing support to producers impacted by the coronavirus.” Lawmakers said recipients should include fruit and vegetable growers, producers who supply local food systems and livestock producers, including dairy farmers.
American Farm Bureau Federation officials said last week that all of the money could be used for coronavirus relief. Cattle, dairy and specialty crop producers say they face large losses because of stay-at-home orders that shut down restaurant, school and food service sales. Small farmers say they need help because of the loss of farmers markets and local sales networks.