Ag provisions in the COVID relief package

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Ag provisions in the COVID relief package

Thirteen billion dollars in assistance to crop and livestock producers is part of the COVID-19 relief package awaiting Congressional approval.

The bill calls for supplemental payments of 20 dollars per acre to all row-crop producers. Another three billion dollars will be used to help cattle and dairy producers, contract livestock and poultry growers, and producers who were forced to euthanize livestock or poultry because of supply chain disruptions. 

The package provides 400 million dollars for a new dairy donation program and 60 million dollars to help expand small meat and poultry processing.

Another provision in the bill will allow the USDA to assist biofuels producers. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue had previously said that the agency did not have the authority to provide financial assistance to processors of ag products.

There is also seven billion dollars to expand broadband access. And the Paycheck Protection Program will receive another 275 billion dollars.

The bill includes 13 billion dollars for nutrition assistance, including a 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits for six months.

Congress is expected to vote on the package later today.