Congresswoman Angie Craig Addresses Needs of Local Farmers
Rep. Craig Convened Her Farmer Advisory Council Comprised Of Family Farmers From Across The Second District
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, a member of the Agriculture Committee, continues her push to support family farmers through the COVID-19 pandemic. Tonight she convened her Farmer Advisory Council to make sure their stories are what shapes future federal legislative decisions.
"I've heard from family farmers who aren't sure how they are going to make it past the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Angie Craig. "It's important to remember that farming isn't a job, it's a way of life. I'm here to listen to the family farmers of the Second District and to push in every way possible to make sure our relief decisions are focused on helping those most severely impacted by this worldwide pandemic, which certainly includes family farmers."
Rep. Craig supported relief for farmers in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. The CARES Act provided $9.5 billion for financial support to farmers and ranchers impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, the Commodity Credit Corporation was replenished with $14 billion. The CCC bolsters commodity and income support programs, natural resources conservation programs, disaster assistance programs and the Market Facilitation Program. Most recently she has pushed Agriculture Secretary Perdue to make current resources available to turkey growers.
"I grew up watching my grandfather farm until the eighties farm crisis pushed him out of farming," said Rep. Angie Craig. "I will not stand by and watch COVID-19 do the same thing to our family farmers."