Newhouse: Local Fairs Need Help After Pandemic Shutdowns

Last month’s vote was a step in the right direction.

That’s the sentiment from Dan Newhouse, chair of the Western Caucus, after the House Ag committee unanimously approved his Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act. The proposal would authorize $500 million for grants to be administered by the USDA’s AMS to state departments of Ag to help fairs devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Newhouse noted that many of these fairs are struggling and will continue to struggle after they were forced to remain closed in 2020.

“This is an effort to provide some relief to these fairs, so they can continue to go and can continue to provide that really important link that we have to help continue to educate people about the importance of our agricultural industries.”

Newhouse added not only are these local fairs important from the education point of view, but they are also vital for the local economy. Newhouse added he is confident the legislation will gain more support as it continues to move forward.

Click Here to read the entire Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act.

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