Newhouse, Panetta Look To Help Ag Community With COVID-19 Costs

As discussions of a new pandemic relief package continue, farmers could be in line for funding to help offset efforts to keep essential workers safe. During last week’s House Ag Appropriations Bill discussions, Central Washington representative Dan Newhouse as well as California’s Jimmy Penetta put forward an amendment that would make money available for safety efforts during the pandemic. Newhouse said the funds would be dedicated to reimbursing growers and Ag employers for PPE, modifications and retrofits of their operations as well as education efforts.

“A lot of our farms and processors and businesses have really gone to a great expense in order to meet some of the safety procedures and to take precautions so that they can continue operating.  And we want them to continue to keep operating because having grocery store shelves that are full is an important thing.”

This reimbursement program would require new authorization by Congress, a process that cannot take place in an Appropriations bill. Newhouse and Panetta put forward last week’s amendment to make sure money is available when a new relief package is approved.

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