Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has released some details of the much-anticipated Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The $19 billion aid program has two parts including $16 billion of direct aid to America’s farmers and ranchers.
In the second part of the assistance package USDA will purchase $3 billion of food products for distribution to those in need through food banks. This will start with an estimated $100 million per month each of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat products.
Perdue says the new aid package will bring some rapid relief to agricultural producers. It won’t cover all the losses but is a good start.
Further details regarding eligibility, rates, and other implementation will be released at a later date.