RACA: Shutdown Must End

Now over five weeks long, the government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history.  And while Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue announced this week that FSA offices will reopen, roughly 44,000 USDA employees remain furloughed.  Because of that, implementation of the $876 billion Farm Bill remains on hold.

“The federal government shutdown has gone on for far too long. Rural & Agriculture Council of America Vice President Chris Skorupa. America’s farmers and ranchers continue their work, while the government sits idle. As we near spring planting and calving seasons, USDA data reports for 2019 have yet to be released and critical Farm Bill support programs remain in question.

Skorupa added the shutdown could not come at a worse time, not only because of the implementation of the Farm Bill, but also because of lingering trade questions.

"The ongoing trade disputes with China, Europe, and others have put farmers and ranchers in a bind. In response, these countries have levied heavy tariffs on American goods. With USDA hamstrung in its ability to process aid package requests, the shutdown has really put a lot of financial pressure and uncertainty on America’s farmers and ranchers.

Skorupa says the Rural & Agriculture Council of America will continue urging Members of Congress for an urgent end to this shutdown.

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