Hagedorn Statement on USDA "Pandemic Assistance for Producers" Announcement

Press Release

Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of its new Pandemic Assistance for Producers program:

"After suspending CFAP for two months, it is long past time to reinstate and reopen this program that has helped the agricultural economy survive drops in demand associated with the pandemic and state mandated lockdowns.

"I have concerns about the continued pause on payments and aid to pork producers and contract growers. Swine producers in southern Minnesota suffered historic price drops at the beginning of the pandemic, resulting in the intentional depopulation of hundreds of thousands of market-ready hogs. These payments need to be approved immediately, and I call on Secretary Vilsack to ensure there is no further delay in delivering this much needed assistance to America's pork producers."

USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. Producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to get more information on their eligibility to receive this assistance.

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