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Pandemic Assistance for Producers Plan Unveiled

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After reviewing existing COVID-19 relief, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take a new approach for distributing additional assistance to farmers and ranchers. This new initiative is called the Pandemic Assistance for Producers.
 
It includes:
1.) $6 million to expand assistance to more producers, with an emphasis on small farmers and ranches, dairy, specialty crops, euthanized livestock and poultry, renewable fuels and more.
2.) Adds $500 million to existing programs.
3.) Carries out formula payments for existing Coronavirus Food Assistance Programs.
 
USDA will also reopen CFAP 2 sign-up for 60 days starting on April 5. Get the full details.

Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Bills

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House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees are working on fiscal year 2021 funding bills. Highlights from the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Bill include: 
  • $3.3 billion for agricultural research programs, with $1.51 billion for the Agricultural Research Service and $1.54 billion for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
  • $1.06 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and $1.07 billion for the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
  • $1.43 billion for the Farm Service Agency, which is an increase of $20 million over FY20 enacted levels.
  • $832 million for Natural Resources Conservation Service.
  • $400 million for the ReConnect Broadband Pilot Program. The House-passed FY21 funding bill included $990 million for the ReConnect Program.
While the new fiscal year began on October 1, a continuing resolution has kept the government funded since that time. The current continuing resolution is set to expire on December 11.