Washington, DC – Representative Jim Baird (R-IN) applauds President Trump’s decision to provide a $19 billion relief package for farmers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the relief will be in the form of direct payments to farmers, as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The Farm Service Agency will begin to accept application from farmers and ranchers on May 26, 2020, with payments expected in about a week after application.

“President Trump’s announcement is welcome news for farmers across my district and around the country. COVID-19 has disrupted many food supply chains and have challenged farmers to seek alternative ways to move their products and livestock. I look forward to working alongside Secretary Perdue to ensure farmers in need of assistance are able to receive support,” Representative Baird said.

This relief package will provide $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers and $3 billion to the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food program. The program partners with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have also been significantly impacted by COVID-19, to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.

This program will ensure the U.S. food supply chain remains safe and secure amid the pressure of COVID-19.

Read the USDA’s press release on the announcement here.

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