IARN — We have so much focus on the $19 billion dollars that USDA has brought out to assist farmers and the Ag industry. Sometimes, we have been hyper-focused on the $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers to alleviate the financial strains of this pandemic. However, there is a second component to this money. That is the three billion going to commodity purchases and food distribution. There are a lot of good things happening because of these programs, but they have not been without their criticisms and intrigue.
United States Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently oversaw the distribution of food boxes in Pennsylvania. It was there that he took the time to comment on the program and the increase in need because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Perdue praised farmers, processors, and distributors for pitching in and helping during this crisis.
For more on this story, including comments from Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, visit the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
