Reps. Long, Panetta, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Agricultural Fairs

Statement

Today, Congressman Billy Long (R-MO-07) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) introduced legislation to preserve agricultural fairs across the country and address the financial losses they have experienced as a result of the coronavirus. The Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act will provide grant funding for agricultural fairs through state departments of agriculture to keep them functioning and preserve them for the future.

"It is rare indeed if a person doesn't have fond childhood memories of their county and state fairs. Fairs play a vital role in U.S. agribusiness by supporting thousands of jobs and giving farmers a way to promote their products. Our fairs have suffered very substantial, if not devastating, losses due to COVID-19. I am proud to work with my colleague and buddy, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, to introduce legislation that offers critical and strategic relief to a vulnerable industry in dire need or our assistance," said Congressman Long.

"County and local fairs are very important to agriculture and our communities all across our country. Fairs provide our producers with the opportunity to market their crops and livestock, and foster the next generation of farmers. They also are an economic engine and a gathering place for us to highlight and celebrate our communities. Like many institutions, fairs have been impacted by COVID-19, and we must provide them assistance if we are going to preserve these fairs for the future," said Congressman Panetta.

Background:

Provides $500 million in Agricultural Fair Rescue Grants administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
These grants will be provided to states or state departments of agriculture based on losses in revenue and attendance the fairs experienced in 2020.

Source