Farmers will receive cash payments of up to $ 250,000 per farm, possibly more depending on the rules, in order to survive an approximately 20% decline in income this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
President Trump announced the allocation of $ 16 billion in direct agricultural assistance and said that additional funds could be spent this summer to support the sector.
Montana, USA has 3 times more cows than people.
In addition, the government will spend $ 3 billion on the purchase of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meat, which will then be donated to food banks and other charitable organizations. Food donations will include the shape of the harvest box that the administration has repeatedly proposed.
Market prices for most agricultural commodities plummeted as the pandemic spread throughout the world; wheat and rice are exceptions due to panic shopping. It is predicted that low prices will continue for several months. Home orders disrupted processing and distribution channels, closing restaurant sales. Meat packers slowed production at some factories or temporarily closed them for disinfection or due to illness and absenteeism.
“I am announcing a $ 19 billion aid program for our great farmers and ranchers as they cope with the effects of the global pandemic,” Trump told the White House on Friday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will receive additional funding in July to continue to help manufacturers.
- According to EU sources and diplomats, the European Union has agreed to a deal that will allow American farmers to increase their share in the European beef market, which could help ease transatlantic trade tensions.
- According to the US Department of Agriculture’s Environmentally Friendly Working Group's annual data analysis, strawberries, spinach and cabbage are some of the most “pesticidal” foods, while pesticide residues are lowest in avocados, corn, and pineapples.
- California Pellet Mill, one of the largest pelletizing equipment developers and manufacturers in the world, is donating nearly $ 2.6 million in equipment to the new Iowa State University of Iowa training and research center for feed grinding and grain.
