READ the NAFB’s National Ag News for Thursday, March 26th
Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation
Stimulus Package Includes Ag Provisions
The $2 trillion stimulus package includes billions of dollars for U.S. agriculture. A quick analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows agriculture is set to receive $49 billion. Of that, $14 billion is provided to the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, and $15.8 billion is provided to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. Meanwhile, $9.5 billion is provided to the office of the Secretary for livestock and specialty crops, and $8.5 billion is provided for Child Nutrition Programs. Additionally, the funding includes $450 million for commodity assistance, $100 million for broadband grants, and $25 million for distance learning and telemedicine efforts. The agreement opens the door for a potential third round of Market Facilitation Payments through the Commodity Credit Corporation, originally created to help farmers as the Trump administration carries out its trade agenda. Funding an additional round of payments through the program is a request from many groups in agriculture.
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NCGA Issues Steps to Manage COVID-19 on the Farm
A guide by the National Corn Growers Association offers tips to manage COVID-19 on the farm. Farmers are preparing for spring planting, which means activity levels are increasing on the farm for things like field preparation and on-farm deliveries. NCGA says limiting interactions and exposure is a good idea to limit exposure and risk related to COVID-19, as it is critical to practice biosecurity for your family, your employees, the public, and animals. NCGA recommends farmers identify and coordinate a drop-off location for supplier deliveries to the farm. If possible, set this up away from high traffic areas and housing. Further instruction includes practicing distancing with delivery drivers, log all deliveries and utilize a visitor’s log for everyone entering the farm. NCGA recommends farmers prepare on-farm workers and family members, and to sanitize contact surfaces around the farm, including door handles and knobs, floor mats, steering wheels and other commonly contacted surfaces. Additionally, it is recommended that all farms have Continuity of Business plans, to keep operations running smoothly in case of any disruption.
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Coalition Welcomes Decision Not to Seek Re-Hearing of SRE Ruling
Ethanol and farm groups welcomed the Trump administration’s decision not to seek a re-hearing of a recent ruling that struck down certain small refinery exemptions. The exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard “vastly exceeded” Environmental Protection Authority in granting exemptions from 2016 and 2017 RFS requirements for three refineries, according to the court. The challenge was brought against EPA in May 2018 by the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union in response to the massive demand destruction caused by the Agency’s use of SREs. In the wake of the decision not to seek a re-hearing, the four groups called upon the EPA to immediately apply the court decision nationwide. The group states, “With this key milestone now behind us, we look forward to EPA applying the Tenth Circuit decision nationwide to all SRE petitions, beginning with the 25 pending petitions for 2019 exemptions.”
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Kind Asks Trump to Expedite Tariff Exclusion Process
A letter to the Trump Administration from three lawmakers asks the President to temporarily suspend tariffs or at least greatly expedite the tariff exclusion process. Representative Ron, a Democrat from Wisconsin, and others, signed the letter, which states, “Immediate tariff relief will have numerous positive effects, including reducing disruptions to existing supply chains and easing the economic burden on our companies and their workers.” The letter says tariff duties continue to threaten the economic well-being of families across the country and the viability of the health care, manufacturing, retail, and food sectors. The lawmakers are seeking a temporary reprieve from President Donald Trump, not permanent action. The letter says, “it is important to note that we are not asking for permanent rollbacks at this time. Instead, we are asking for you to provide temporary relief for our constituents during this public health crisis.” Joining Kind in the letter was Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene of Washington and Terri Sewell of Alabama.
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Canada Announces Support Programs for Agriculture
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week announced new measures to support farmers and agri-food businesses in Canada facing financial hardship due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Farm Credit Canada will receive support from the Government that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. This will offer increased flexibility to farmers who face cashflow issues and to processors who are impacted by lost sales, helping them remain financially strong. In addition, all eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program loan due on or before April 30 will receive a Stay of Default, allowing them an additional six months to repay the loan. This measure, which represents $173 million in deferred loans, will help keep more money in farmers’ pockets during these critical months. The Advance Payments Program is a financial loan guarantee program that provides producers easy access to credit through cash advances.
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Ethanol Industry Employs Significant Amount of Veterans
A new study shows America’s ethanol industry employs a significantly larger share of military veterans than any other segment of the energy industry. Nearly one in five ethanol industry employees is a veteran at 19 percent, compared to a national average of six percent across all sectors of the workforce, according to the 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report published by the National Association of State Energy Offices and Energy Futures Initiative. Per 100 workers, the ethanol industry employs more than twice as many veterans as the petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, coal, and wind energy sectors. Across all energy segments, veterans comprise nine percent of the U.S. energy sector’s workforce, slightly above the national average. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, an Army veteran who attained the rank of Captain, says, “The ethanol industry is a perfect fit for thousands of veterans across the country.” With ethanol jobs currently at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors, Cooper said the report serves as a timely reminder that the ethanol industry is a crucial employer of veterans.
