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Congress: Please Include Local Market Farmers in the Stimulus Package

Congress is quickly assembling a stimulus package to help those economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we do not yet know the implications for agriculture overall, we do know that this is an especially difficult time for farmers and ranchers engaged in direct sales through farmers markets or to schools and restaurants.

A new study estimates that local and regional food systems could lose up to $1.3 billion between just March and May of this year. 

We are asking for your help in making sure that these farmers—often small businesses outside of the traditional farm safety net—are not forgotten as the stimulus package moves forward. 

Please join us in contacting your members of Congress to encourage them to include these businesses within the upcoming legislation. Specifically, Congress can help farmers and ranchers impacted by COVID-19 through: 

• Ensuring that those who sell their products directly to schools, through farmers markets, or other local and regional markets are also included in any relief plan.  

• Considering suspension of Farm Service Agency loan payments and providing zero-interest loans to tide these producers over until conditions improve. 

• Extending relevant USDA program deadlines to offer additional flexibility to producers. 

These steps represent just the beginning of what will likely be needed as we move ahead. According to USDA, our nation’s direct-to-consumer food sales totaled $2.8 billion in 2017, making them an important part of our local and national economy.  

During this difficult time, we are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains viable. And we will be exploring additional ways to protect this vital community in the days ahead.