The $19 billion in ag aid announced by USDA late Friday includes $16 billion in payments to producers and $3 billion for the purchase of food products by USDA.
Questions have already come relative to pay caps on the aid, $125,000 per commodity or $250,000 per person. Many believe that dairy producers will quickly run up against those limits.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) welcomed the aid, but warned it was not enough for the sector. There was no help announced for the ethanol sector.
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) also complained they got no assistance in the effort. “While we appreciate that USDA’s new program provides needed assistance to the nation’s farmers and ranchers, it is unfortunate and disappointing that the 350,000 workers supported by America’s ethanol industry were left behind,” said RFA President Geoff Cooper. “USDA missed a crucial opportunity to lend a helping hand to an industry that is suffering the worst economic crisis in its history. Roughly half of the ethanol industry is shut down today, as fuel demand has collapsed in response to COVID-19. Corn demand and prices have plummeted as plants across the country are idling. Jobs are being lost, grain markets are being ravaged, rural communities are being destabilized, and the long-term future of homegrown renewable fuels hangs in the balance.”
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