USDA Financial Assistance Programs Are Still Available
Has your alpaca business been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, drought, or other challenges?
The Government and Industry Relations Committee GIRCom) wants you to know that there are many government programs that are available to assist farmers and ranchers, including those related to Covid-19. Examples of assistance include operation loans, farm ownership loans, emergency loans, loans for minority, women and beginning farmers and ranchers, and agricultural conservation easement programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that they are preparing $3 billion in investments that will support drought resilience and response, animal disease prevention, market disruption relief, and purchase of food for school nutrition programs. The support will be made available via the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Funds will be used to provide support beyond programs previously announced related to the Covid-19 pandemic, including:
- $500 million to support drought recovery and encourage the adoption of water-smart management practices. From rising temperatures and heat waves, to early snow melt and low rainfall, record-breaking drought has affected producers across the country and has left ranchers with bare winter pastures and short on hay and pushed crop producers to adjust to running their operations with a fraction of the water usually available. This assistance will target these challenges and enable USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation agencies to deliver much needed relief and design drought resilience efforts responsive to the magnitude of this crisis.
- $500 million to provide relief from agricultural market disruption, such as increased transportation challenges, availability and cost of certain materials, and other near-term obstacles related to the marketing and distribution of certain commodities.
You are encouraged to visit
www.usda.gov for details on the many forms of assistance available. It is also important to establish a personal relationship with your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) representative, and to have specific information on the financial impact Covid-19 or other challenges have had on your business. Use the following link to find the closest FSA office:
offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
