AFBF: Additional Pandemic Aid Not Likely Until July

A new pandemic aid package is now looking more and more likely in July, and America's farmers and ranchers say the need remain great. Pressure is increasing for more aid as pandemic jobless benefits run out for millions next month, states and cities face depleted budgets, and Ag struggles with steep losses in livestock, crops and dairy. The American Farm Bureau’s Andrew Walmsley said while some reopening is taking place, it's occurring very slowly.

“Obviously, that’s going to be in a limited capacity, particularly on the restaurant-side.  So, we are taking stock on all the different ‘asks’ and estimations by different segments of the industry; but then, also looking long-term on what we expect in demand. But, we’re talking billions of dollars of impact for producers.”

Walmsley noted that livestock producers, nationwide, continue to face huge losses amid meat plant backups and continuing worker virus-fears.

“I think it’s an absolute tragedy of what we’re seeing…obviously, the heartbreak for these producers on euthanasia of these animals, and such a waste. It’s something, hopefully, we can continue to work towards, of getting away from that process and getting meat back into the food supply.”

Aid to destroy animals that can’t be processed is limited, despite the $19-billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or C-FAP, under the original CARES Act. But, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said more overall help could come in July as Republicans assess gains from CARES.

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