Perdue Addresses Farm Economy Concerns In Recorded Video Address

Last week, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue addressed farm broadcasters via a prerecorded video. During that short video, the USDA head addressed a wide range of topics, including what’s next when it comes to Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP funding.

“I know you’re all curious about what the future of CFAP will look like. What I can tell you is that Congress replenished $14 billion through the CARES Act for the CCC. We’re in the process of evaluating the COVID-19 impacts on the agricultural economy and looking back at the lessons learned so far as we consider our second round of CFAP.”

Perdue’s comments come as Congress eyes another round of coronavirus relief, and all sectors of agriculture seek further assistance. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, USDA data suggests the decline in commodity value for 2019 through 2021 production, which adds up to almost $60 billion. And this, AFBF added, does not include all of agriculture’s losses, which would be billions more.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought further challenges to the ethanol industry. Perdue says the USDA is working with the rest of the Trump administration to ensure a 15 billion gallons Renewable Fuel Standard for ethanol and biodiesel.

"USDA is fully committed to working with EPA to ensure the commitment that President Trump made last fall, that the RVO for ethanol and biodiesel are met and are not undermined by small refinery exemptions," Perdue added. "What he said and what he meant was 15 billion gallons means 15 billion gallons.”

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