USDA aids socially disadvantaged, reopens Coronavirus program
The U.S. Department of Agricultureâs Farm Service Agency is making available $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDAâs new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Itâs an effort to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic.
The Farm Service Agencyâs Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 signup also recently reopened as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days from Apr. 5 to apply or make modifications to existing program applications.
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It’s a fast policy start for dairy in 2021
Policymaking in Washington, D.C., often occurs at a snail’s pace. This holds especially true early in the year when new staff are being hired, alliances are being formed, and lawmakers are testing the political winds. This year is proving to be an exception, with significant implications for dairy.
The momentum was already under way last December when Congress enacted a major coronavirus relief package that included key National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) priorities, such as the Dairy Donation Program that USDA is in the process of developing. Following that late year momentum, the Biden administration and the 117th Congress are advancing ambitious plans to stimulate the U.S. recovery from the once-in-a-lifetime COVID-19 pandemic. This robust agenda encompasses key dairy priorities, including agricultural labor reform, climate change, child nutrition, and trade.
Ridofranz/iStock/Getty Images Several agriculture organizations among more than 275 groups and individuals uniting to encourage Americans to get vaccinated.
The North American Meat Institute, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation and the National Association of Wheat Growers are among the more than 275 founding organizations of the COVID-19 Community Corps – a nationwide, grassroots network of local voices who have come together to encourage Americans to get vaccinated.
“As a founding member of the national COVID-19 Community Corps, the Meat Institute is proud to partner with HHS and leaders across America to support vaccine information and access for the 500,000 meat and poultry workers who keep food on Americans’ tables and our farm economy working, said Meat Institute president and CEO Julie Anna Potts. Meat and poultry workers are eligible to receive vaccin
Extension specialistsâ workloads monitored
A newly signed law requires the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and UW-Madison chancellor to develop policies to monitor and report on Extension and outreach workloads of specialists funded by the UW-Division of Extension. The measure pertains to Extension-funded faculty and staff who work in applied agriculture at UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, or UW-Madisonâs College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
âOur state specialists are doing amazing work on the ground and in their communities, helping farmers adapt and grow their businesses and supporting the agricultural industry that is the backbone of our state,â said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. âIâm glad to sign this bill so they can continue doing their good work and be recognized for going above and beyond for our farmers and our state.â