What Ag Issues Will New COVID 19 Relief Bill Cover? Newhouse Weighs In

As Congressional leaders continue to debate what to include, and not include in the next, and most likely final round of coronavirus relief, the Ag community waits to see what assistance will be available. Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse said as more and more aid has become available, additional Northwest commodities, not initially included in pandemic relief have been included to get much needed financial assistance.

“Contracted crops were one that really didn’t fit the definition in the early parts of the program.  We’ve been able to convince USDA that those changes need to be made.  So, that any crops that are grown under contract now can qualify for some of the assistance.”

And Newhouse said he hopes that trend continues in the next round of COVID-19 help. He is also working across the aisle to provide reimbursement for Ag employers who made retrofits or provided equipment to ensure employee safety on the job.

When looking to the future, most point to the supply chain, which was greatly impacted back in March and April, as something that will need to be addressed. But another concern for Newhouse, the long-term impact the pandemic will have on the export markets, and future access.

“We think a lot about our country and the challenges that we have, but countries around the globe are also faced with similar challenges and that impacts our ability to sell apples, or French fries or cherries or you name it.”

He noted while there is concern about market access moving forward, there is a lot of effort at a variety of levels to keep those farm exports moving.

But, Newhouse said one thing COVID-19 has thought every American, even those that have never set foot on a farm, is the food is definitely a security issue.

“Not only a nutrition issue, but a national security issue and we want to make sure that farmers and ranchers can continue to provide a food supply to keep our grocery stores stocked.”

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